According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Tanzania's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), expelled Emmanuel Nchimbi from his party membership on grounds of disciplinary violation. Earlier this week, Nchimbi announced his resignation as Vice President of Tanzania, having served in that position for only 10 months.
The 54-year-old Enchibai has made some controversial statements in recent weeks, including calling on the Tanzanian people to “fight for a new constitution.” These statements indicate that there may be a rift between him and President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
In last October’s controversial presidential elections, Entchin was Hassan’s running mate. After the elections, riots occurred, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
The 43-year-old Energy Minister, Deogratius Ndejembi, has been nominated to succeed Ntchenyibe as Vice President. His nomination will be submitted to Parliament for approval.
These decisions were made at a special meeting of the Revolutionary Party, chaired by President Hassan.
The Revolutionary Party did not provide detailed information regarding the charges against Enchimbi that violated party discipline. Enchimbi’s resignation will take effect next weekend.
On Tuesday morning, Ntchinbyi posted a brief resignation letter on his Instagram account. He became the first vice president in Tanzanian history to resign voluntarily.
He said that he would step away from public life, because he ‘had no doubt in his mind that the president wanted to make changes’.
In November last year, Hassan and Nchingbi took office after winning the election with 98% of the votes.
