Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel John Nchimbi has resigned from office and announced his retirement from active politics and public service, in a surprise political development that will allow President Samia Suluhu Hassan to appoint his successor.
Nchimbi announced his decision on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, saying he had formally submitted his resignation to President Hassan. His resignation will take effect on September 4, 2026.
In a public notice issued from Dodoma, Nchimbi said he had decided to leave both the Vice Presidency and public service, citing Articles 50(2)(c) and 149(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania as the basis for his resignation.
“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,” Nchimbi said.
“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.
Nchimbi linked his decision to a commitment he made to President Hassan in August 2025, promising to support her administration faithfully and step aside whenever she felt another Vice President was needed.
“On August 27, 2025, I promised Her Excellency President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan that I would assist her and our country to the best of my ability and with utter faithfulness,” he said.
“I also assured her that whenever she sees the need for another Vice President, I will vacate the position. I am fully satisfied, without any doubt, that Her Excellency the President desires change, and thus I have decided to fulfil my promise.”
The outgoing Vice President thanked President Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for entrusting him with the country’s second-highest office.
“I specifically thank Her Excellency the President and Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for their trust in me,” Nchimbi said.
He also thanked Tanzanians for their support throughout his public service career and pledged to remain a good citizen after leaving active politics.
“I also take this opportunity to thank all Tanzanians for the great cooperation you gave me throughout my time in public service. I assure you that I will continue to be a good citizen of Tanzania,” he said.
Nchimbi’s resignation now creates a vacancy in the Vice Presidency, paving the way for President Hassan to nominate a replacement in accordance with the Constitution.
The announcement comes days after Tanzania’s authorities suspended a newspaper over an earlier report claiming Nchimbi had rejected calls to resign.
The authorities said the publication had breached requirements on accuracy, balance and verification.
