In brief
During an extraordinary meeting of Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi, Vice‑president Emmanuel Nchimbi was expelled for indiscipline after remarks urging a constitutional “fight.” The 54‑year‑old resigned and withdrew from public life, citing President Samia Hassan’s impending changes. The party named 43‑year‑old Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi as his replacement, a move that will require parliamentary approval. The decision comes amid lingering tensions from last October’s disputed presidential election, which saw massive violence and “500 deaths” in post‑poll unrest, and accusations of a brutal security crackdown. Nchimbi becomes the first vice‑president to resign in Tanzania’s history, whereas the country’s political future now hinges on the new leader’s ability to navigate the fallout and restore stability.
Vice‑president Emmanuel Nchimbi has been expelled from Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for indiscipline after he announced his resignation earlier this week.
The 54‑year‑old made controversial remarks in recent weeks – urging Tanzanians to "fight for a new constitution" – a stance that appears to have strained his alliance with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Nchimbi had been her running mate in last October’s disputed presidential election, which led to hundreds of deaths in post‑poll unrest.
The CCM’s extraordinary meeting, chaired by President Samia, endorsed Nchimbi’s resignation and nominated 43‑year‑old Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi as his successor. Ndejembi’s name will be presented to parliament for approval. The party withheld details on the alleged indiscipline accusations.
Nchimbi’s resignation makes him the first vice‑president to step down in Tanzania’s political history. He explained his departure in a brief Instagram post, expressing that he had “become convinced that the president wants changes” and no longer wanted to stay in public life.
The vote that brought Samia and Nchimbi into office in November was marred by a 98% majority win, boycotted by the main opposition party Chadema, which demanded electoral reforms. The violent protests that erupted after voting resulted in at least 500 casualties, according to an official inquiry; opposition parties and human rights groups accused security forces of a severe crackdown.
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