Tanzania's vice-president announces resignation in unprecedented move

What the report says

Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced that he will resign and leave public life by the end of next week, in what BBC Africa described as an unprecedented move for the country. The 54-year-old sent a brief letter to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and shared it on Instagram. BBC Africa said sources in his office and in the presidency confirmed the resignation.

According to the report, Nchimbi will be the first vice-president to step down since Tanzania’s independence in 1964. He said he was acting on a promise to the president that he would leave if she wanted another vice-president, and he wrote that he believed she wanted changes. The article said he thanked Samia, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, and Tanzanians for their support, adding that he would remain a “good citizen” and was leaving in line with the constitution.

BBC Africa reported that the decision comes amid media speculation about a falling-out between the president and her deputy. Nchimbi was sworn in last November after serving as Samia’s running mate in the election the month before. The article provides political context around that vote, including a disputed result, opposition criticism, and deadly post-election unrest. Nchimbi previously held senior roles in government and diplomacy, including ministerial posts and ambassadorships before becoming vice-president.