Tanzania’s Vice President, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, has announced his resignation from office effective September 4, 2026, less than a year after taking office alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
In a letter dated August 25, 2026, Nchimbi said he had written to President Samia informing her that he had also decided to retire from politics and public service.
Sources from the Office of the Vice President confirmed that the letter is genuine and was personally written by Nchimbi.
Nchimbi said his decision was made in accordance with Article 50(2)(c), read together with Article 149(2) of the Constitution of Tanzania. The provisions set out the circumstances and procedure for the resignation of a holder of a constitutional office.
However, the most striking part of the letter is his explanation of a commitment he made to President Samia on August 27, 2025 that he would serve her to the best of his ability and with loyalty, but would step down if she needed another Vice President.
“The President wants change”
“I have become convinced, without a doubt, that Her Excellency the President wants change, and therefore I have decided to honour my commitment,” Nchimbi wrote, without explaining what kind of change he was referring to or what circumstances led him to that conclusion.
The remarks have raised questions about whether his departure was solely a personal decision or the result of political pressure within the ruling party.
He thanked President Samia and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for the confidence they had placed in him.
He also thanked Tanzanians for the cooperation he received during his time in public service and pledged to continue being a “good citizen of Tanzania.”
Reports indicate that the letter was preceded by a meeting of the CCM Ethics Committee, which was held late yesterday night.
