Tanzania’s Vice-President Nchimbi resigns amid reported rift with president

Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced his resignation, weeks after reports emerged that he had fallen out with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The 54-year-old announced his resignation in a brief letter posted on his Instagram account, saying he wanted to respect the president’s wishes. Sources in his office and the presidency also confirmed the development.

Nchimbi said he would retire from public life at the end of next week, less than 10 months after he was sworn in. His resignation makes him the first vice-president to step down in the history of the East African country.

He was Samia’s running mate in last October’s disputed presidential election, which was followed by deadly post-election unrest.

The pair were sworn in last November after being declared winners with 98% of the vote.

Violent protests in the aftermath of the election led to the deaths of at least 500 people, according to an official inquiry.

Opposition parties and human rights groups accused security forces of launching a brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.

“I have become convinced, without doubt, that the president wants changes, and I have therefore decided to fulfil my promise,” Nchimbi wrote in his resignation letter, referring to a pledge he had made to Samia that he would step down if she wanted another deputy.

He thanked the president and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for the trust they had placed in him, as well as Tanzanians for their support during his time in public service.

Nchimbi said he was leaving office in accordance with the country’s constitution and would continue to be a “good citizen of Tanzania”.

Calls for a new constitution

The vice-president had made some controversial remarks in recent weeks that may have pointed to a possible disagreement with President Samia.

Last month, he urged Tanzanians to “fight for a new constitution”, arguing that there was an opportunity to secure one before 2030.

He also linked a new constitution to addressing injustice, strengthening human rights, promoting good governance and deepening democracy.

Nchimbi previously served as secretary-general of the CCM.

He also held several senior government positions, including Minister of Information and Minister of Home Affairs, before serving as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and later Egypt.