Tanzania's Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned from office and announced his retirement from active politics and public service, with his departure set to take effect on September 4.

Nchimbi submitted his resignation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on August 25, saying he had become convinced that the president wanted a different vice president. Hassan has accepted his resignation, and the government said constitutional procedures would be followed to appoint his successor.

Nchimbi said his decision fulfilled a commitment he had made to Hassan before taking office, under which he would step aside if the president decided she needed another deputy. He also said he would remain committed to Tanzania after leaving public office.

The resignation comes less than a year after Nchimbi became vice president. He was sworn in on November 3, 2025, after serving as secretary-general of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and running as Hassan's vice-presidential candidate in the October 2025 general election.

The announcement has drawn attention to tensions within Tanzania's political leadership. Nchimbi recently called for constitutional reforms during an event in Dar es Salaam, saying the country needed a constitution that would promote not only economic development but also the dignity and rights of Tanzanians.

Last year's presidential election, which Hassan won with nearly 98% of the vote, was criticised by international observers after leading opposition candidates were excluded from the race. Post-election unrest left at least 518 people dead, according to a government-appointed inquiry.

Nchimbi's resignation will become effective on September 4, after which Hassan is expected to appoint a new vice president through the constitutional process. (ILKHA)