Questions as Tanzanian Vice President resigns
By Timithy Cerullo
DAR ES SALAAM – Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel John Nchimbi has reportedly resigned from his position and retired entirely from the country’s public service effective September 4, 2026.
In a letter dated Tuesday, August 25, from the Office of the Vice President and addressed to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s office, Nchimbi disclosed that he had officially tendered his resignation.
While explaining the reasons for his resignation, the former Vice President cited constitutional provisions under Article 50(2)(c) read together with Article 149(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
These provisions outline how a holder of a constitutional office, such as that of a Vice President or other senior leadership positions, legally tenders voluntary resignations.
“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,” read part of Nchimbi’s letter to Suluhu.
“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.
In his remarks, Nchimbi reflected on the commitment he made to President Suluhu when he took over the office of the Vice President, stating that he pledged to serve with integrity and step aside whenever change was needed.
“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 disclosed.
According to Nchimbi, he was fully convinced that President Suluhu desired a change in the Office of the Vice President, a move that he said triggered his resignation.
He went on to express gratitude to the country’s Head of State and the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), for their confidence in his leadership.
“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 stated.
Nchimbi’s sudden resignation comes hardly nine months after he assumed office following the country’s general elections in November last year, where he served as Suluhu’s running mate.
