Tanzania Vice President Nchimbi resigns

Newsflash and Agencies

Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel John Nchimbi has resigned from his position and announced his retirement from politics and public service, effective September 4, 2026.

In a letter dated Tuesday, August 25, and addressed to the office of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Nchimbi confirmed that he had formally submitted his resignation.

The former Vice President cited Article 50(2)(c), read together with Article 149(2), of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania as the legal basis for his decision.

The provisions set out the constitutional procedure through which holders of senior public offices can voluntarily relinquish their positions.

“Today, August 25, 2026, I have written to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, to inform her of my decision to retire from politics and public service,” part of Nchimbi’s letter read.

“Consequently, I will resign from the position of Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, pursuant to Article 50(2)(c) read together with Article 149(2) of the Constitution, effective September 4, 2026,” he added.

Reflecting on his time in office, Nchimbi recalled the commitment he made to President Suluhu when he assumed the Vice Presidency.

He said he had pledged to serve the President and the country with integrity and had also promised to relinquish his position if the Head of State felt that a change was necessary.

“On August 27, 2025, I pledged to Hon. President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan that I would assist her and our country to the best of my ability and with integrity. I also assured her that should she ever feel the need for a different Vice President, I would vacate this position,” Nchimbi stated.

Why he stepped down

Nchimbi said he had become convinced that President Suluhu wanted a change in the Office of the Vice President, prompting him to make the decision to step down.

He expressed his appreciation to President Suluhu and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for entrusting him with the leadership role.

The outgoing Vice President also thanked Tanzanians for the support and cooperation he received throughout his years in public service.

“I take this opportunity to thank all Tanzanians for the tremendous cooperation extended to me throughout my tenure in public service. I assure you that I will continue to be a good citizen of Tanzania,” Nchimbi said.

His resignation comes less than a year after he assumed the Vice Presidency following Tanzania’s general elections in November 2025, in which he served as President Suluhu’s running mate.