Tanzania ruling party expels vice-president

The ruling party in Tanzania has expelled Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi, citing indiscipline, a day after he announced his resignation from office.

The decision was reached on Wednesday during an emergency meeting of the party’s Central Committee in Dar es Salaam. CCM Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro told reporters that the National Executive Committee had unanimously resolved to expel Nchimbi for violating the party’s rules and ethical standards.

Nchimbi announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying it would take effect on September 4. President Samia Suluhu Hassan accepted the resignation. He is the first vice-president in Tanzania’s history to step down from office.

“I am satisfied beyond doubt that Her Excellency the President wants change, so I have decided to fulfil my promise,” Nchimbi said in his resignation statement.

The party has nominated Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi, 43, as its candidate to replace Nchimbi. His name will be presented to parliament for approval. Ndejembi, a geologist by training, has served as Energy Minister since 2025 and has been a member of parliament since 2015.

Nchimbi was President Samia’s running mate in the October 2025 election. He had been in office for 10 months, having been sworn in as vice-president in November 2025. His tenure was marked by public statements that increasingly diverged from the party line.

In recent weeks, he made controversial remarks urging Tanzanians to “fight for a new constitution” that would lead the country “toward development, not just material and economic development, but the development of dignity and the human worth of every person living in Tanzania.” The remarks were seen by party insiders as a direct challenge to the president’s authority.

Political analysts say the expulsion reflects growing tensions within CCM over the direction of the country’s political reforms. The party has historically maintained tight discipline over its members, and Nchimbi’s public calls for constitutional change appear to have crossed a line.

Nchimbi had previously served as Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of State in the President’s Office. He has not commented publicly since his expulsion.

SOURCE: MRA