Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned from office less than a year after taking up the position and announced his retirement from politics and public service.
The BBC reported on Tuesday that the 54-year-old announced his decision in a letter to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying he had become convinced that the President wanted a different vice-president.
“I have become convinced, without doubt, that the president wants changes, and I have therefore decided to fulfil my promise,” Nchimbi wrote.
He said he was honouring a commitment he had made to President Samia that he would step down if she felt another vice-president was needed.
President Samia has since accepted Nchimbi’s resignation, according to an official government statement reported by Reuters. His resignation will take effect on September 4, 2026.
Nchimbi’s departure makes him the first Tanzanian vice-president to resign from the position since independence, according to reports.
He was sworn in as vice-president in November 2025 after serving as President Samia’s running mate in the October presidential election, in which she was declared the winner with nearly 98 percent of the vote.
The election was followed by deadly unrest. A government-appointed inquiry found that at least 518 people were killed in the violence, according to Reuters.
Nchimbi thanked President Samia, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and Tanzanians for their support, saying he would continue to be a “good citizen of Tanzania”.
He previously served as CCM secretary-general and held several senior government positions, including Minister of Information and Minister of Home Affairs. He also served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and Egypt.
Sources: BBC, Reuters
