Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel John Nchimbi has announced his resignation from office, saying he has decided to retire from politics and public service.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, Nchimbi said he had formally communicated his decision to President Samia Suluhu Hassan through a letter, with his resignation set to take effect on September 4, 2026.
Nchimbi said his decision was made in accordance with Article 50(2)(c), read together with Article 149(2) of the Constitution of Tanzania.
“Today, 25 August 2026, I wrote a letter to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, informing her that I have decided to retire from politics and public service,” Nchimbi said.
He recalled that on August 27, 2025, he had assured President Samia that he would support her and Tanzania to the best of his ability.
Nchimbi said he had also promised to relinquish the Vice President’s position if the President at any point felt the need to appoint another person to serve alongside her.
“I also assured her that if at any time she felt she needed another Vice President, I would relinquish this position,” he said.
According to Nchimbi, he had become convinced that President Samia desired a change in the Vice President’s position and decided to honour the commitment he made to her.
“I have become convinced beyond doubt that the President desires change, and I have therefore decided to honour my promise,” he added.
Nchimbi’s resignation will formally take effect on September 4, marking his exit from both the Vice President’s office and active politics and public service.