Tanzania Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi resigns
Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel John Nchimbi has resigned from office and announced his retirement from active politics and public service.
Nchimbi submitted his resignation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday, August 25, saying he was convinced that the president wanted a change in the country’s second-highest office. His resignation will take effect on September 4, 2026.
In his resignation letter, Nchimbi cited Articles 50(2)(c) and 149(2) of Tanzania’s Constitution, which provide for the resignation and replacement of the vice president.
He said he had promised President Hassan in August 2025 that he would serve with integrity and step aside if she eventually decided that a different vice president was needed.
“I am fully satisfied, without any doubt, that the President desires change,” Nchimbi said, according to reports on his resignation statement.
Nchimbi became vice president after serving as President Hassan’s running mate in the 2025 general election. He assumed office in November 2025, meaning his tenure lasted less than a year.
His resignation follows weeks of speculation about his position within the government. Earlier this month, a Tanzanian newspaper, MwanaHALISI, was suspended for six months after publishing a report alleging that Nchimbi had been under pressure to resign. Authorities said the publication had failed to meet requirements for accuracy and balance.
The circumstances surrounding Nchimbi’s departure are therefore likely to attract further attention, particularly given the timing and the political speculation that preceded his announcement.
President Hassan is now expected to appoint a new vice president in accordance with Tanzania’s constitutional provisions.
