Tanzania Party CCM Expels Former Vice President
Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi has removed former Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi from its ranks just one day after he stepped down from office.
The decision emerged from emergency meetings of the party’s Central Committee and National Executive Committee held in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, August 26, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Party leaders also put forward Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi as their preferred choice to fill the vacant vice presidential post.
CCM Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro confirmed the expulsion late Wednesday, stating that the National Executive Committee had carefully examined the available evidence and statements. “The NEC has held its meeting to discuss disciplinary action on Emmanuel Nchimbi and, after reviewing all the evidence and statements available, has decided and reached a conclusion that CCM’s rules and laws were flouted. As a result, Nchimbi has been removed from the party,” she announced. The move followed Nchimbi’s formal resignation from both the vice presidency and public service, scheduled to take effect on September 4, 2026.
The 54-year-old politician submitted his resignation letter to President Suluhu on Tuesday, invoking constitutional rules that allow senior office holders to leave voluntarily. In his statement, Nchimbi explained that he believed the president desired a change in leadership at the vice presidential level. “I have become convinced beyond doubt that the President wants change, and I have therefore decided to fulfil my promise,” he said, referring to an earlier pledge he had made to step aside if she ever sought a different deputy.
Nchimbi brought a varied background to the role, having previously served as CCM secretary-general since January 2024, held cabinet positions, and represented the country as ambassador to Brazil and Egypt. His departure from both government and the ruling party clears the path for the endorsed candidate. Under Tanzanian law, the party’s nomination of Ndejembi now positions the energy minister for likely formal consideration as the next vice president.
The rapid sequence of resignation and expulsion underscores shifting dynamics within the country’s dominant political organization. As investigations into the disciplinary matters conclude and the nomination process advances, attention turns to how the new arrangement will shape the administration moving forward.
