Tanzania’s Vice-President, Emmanuel Nchimbi, has resigned from office and announced his retirement from public life, less than 10 months after he was sworn in.
Nchimbi, 54, announced his resignation in a letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which he shared on his Instagram account. Sources within the vice-president’s office and the presidency also confirmed the resignation.
His departure, scheduled for the end of next week, is expected to make him the first Tanzanian vice-president to voluntarily step down since the country gained independence in 1964.
In his resignation letter, Nchimbi recalled a promise he made to President Samia when he assumed office, saying he had pledged to resign if she believed another vice-president would better serve her administration.
“I have become convinced, without doubt, that the president wants changes, and I have therefore decided to fulfil my promise,” he wrote.
Nchimbi expressed gratitude to President Samia, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party and Tanzanians for the confidence and support they had given him throughout his public service career.
He also pledged to remain a “good citizen of Tanzania” after leaving government.
The resignation comes amid media reports of an alleged rift between Nchimbi and President Samia, although neither the presidency nor the vice-president provided an official explanation for the reported disagreement.
Nchimbi’s political career
Nchimbi was sworn in as vice-president last November after serving as President Samia’s running mate in the presidential election held the previous month.
The election was highly contentious, with the winning ticket securing about 98 per cent of the vote, a result rejected by the opposition.
Violent protests followed the election, with an official inquiry reporting that at least 500 people were killed. Opposition parties and human rights organisations accused security forces of using excessive force against anti-government demonstrators.
Before becoming vice-president, Nchimbi held several senior positions in Tanzania’s government and ruling party.
He previously served as secretary-general of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party and held ministerial positions overseeing information and home affairs.
He also served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and later Egypt.
His resignation brings his tenure as vice-president to an end after less than 10 months in office.