Tanzania’s Ruling Party Expels Vice-President Over Indiscipline, Names Replacement

Emmanuel Nchimbi has been expelled from Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for indiscipline following his decision earlier this week to resign as the country’s vice-president after 10 months in the job.

The 54-year-old politician has made several controversial remarks in recent weeks, including urging Tanzanians to “fight for a new constitution,” suggesting a growing rift with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Nchimbi served as Samia’s running mate in last October’s disputed presidential election, which was followed by violent post-election unrest that resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi, aged 43, has been nominated as his successor, with his name set to be presented to parliament for formal approval.

These decisions were made during an extraordinary meeting of the CCM, presided over by President Samia.

The party has not disclosed specific details regarding the indiscipline allegations against Nchimbi, though his resignation is scheduled to take effect at the end of next week.

Nchimbi, who shared his brief resignation letter on his Instagram account on Tuesday morning, has become the first vice-president in Tanzania’s history to step down from office.

In his statement, he announced his intention to retire from public life, stating that he had “become convinced, without doubt, that the president wants changes.”

Both Samia and Nchimbi were sworn into office last November following an election in which they secured 98% of the vote.

The election was boycotted by the main opposition party, Chadema, which had demanded electoral reforms before participating.

According to an official inquiry, violent protests that erupted in the aftermath of the vote led to the deaths of at least 500 people.

Opposition parties and human rights organizations have accused security forces of carrying out a brutal crackdown against anti-government protesters.

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