Tanzania Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi Resigns, Citing President's Desire For Change

Tanzania's Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced that he will resign from politics and public service on September 4, 2026, saying he believes President Samia Suluhu Hassan wants a different vice president. Nchimbi thanked Tanzanians for their support and said he would remain a good citizen. The presidency has not yet publicly responded to the announcement

Tanzania's Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced his resignation from politics and public service, saying he believes President Samia Suluhu Hassan wants a change in leadership.
Nchimbi made the announcement on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in a message published on his Instagram account. He said his resignation would take effect on September 4.

NCHIMBI SAYS PRESIDENT WANTS CHANGE

In his statement, Nchimbi said he had informed President Hassan of his decision to retire from politics and public service.
He recalled that on August 27, 2025, he had promised the president that he would serve her and the country to the best of his ability and with integrity.
Nchimbi also said he had previously promised to step aside if Hassan wanted a different person to serve as vice president.
He said he was now "convinced beyond doubt" that the president desired a change.
The presidency had not immediately issued a public response to his announcement.

RESIGNATION MARKS POLITICAL CHANGE

Nchimbi's resignation represents a significant change in Tanzania's political leadership and comes at a time when the government is preparing to manage its next phase of political affairs.
Although he did not give details about any disagreement with the president, his explanation suggests that his decision was linked to Hassan's desire to change her vice-presidential team.
He thanked Tanzanians for the cooperation they had given him during his years in public service and said he would continue serving as a good citizen.

HASSAN'S RISE TO THE PRESIDENCY

Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania's president in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.
Her rise to the presidency made her Tanzania's first female president.
Initially, Hassan received praise for taking a more conciliatory approach to political opposition and the media compared with her predecessor.
Her administration eased some restrictions on opposition parties and media organisations, although political tensions and criticism over democratic freedoms have continued.

NCHIMBI'S NEXT STEP UNCLEAR

Nchimbi did not announce any immediate plans after leaving public service.
His resignation is expected to generate interest over who will succeed him as vice president and what changes President Hassan may make to her administration.
For now, Nchimbi says he intends to leave political and public service positions while remaining a citizen committed to Tanzania.