Tanzania vice president Emmanuel Nchimbi has been expelled from the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party days after announcing his resignation, adding to growing political tensions in the East African nation.
The Chama cha Mapinduzi, commonly known as CCM, accused Nchimbi of indiscipline during a party meeting on Wednesday. Party leaders also nominated Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi to replace him as President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s deputy.
Nchimbi said his resignation will take effect on September 4. He also said he would remain “a good citizen” of Tanzania.
The decision comes at a sensitive moment for Tanzania. The country has long enjoyed a reputation for political stability and relative peace, but recent events have raised concerns about the strength of its democratic institutions.
Disputed Election Deepens Political Tensions
The expulsion follows Hassan’s disputed election in October. Security forces moved to contain deadly unrest after authorities disqualified several major opposition candidates.
The government also shut down the internet for several days during the unrest. Hassan later apologized for the shutdown and promised that such a measure would not happen again.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in jail on treason charges. He has rejected the accusations and described them as politically motivated.
Nchimbi’s resignation surprised many Tanzanians. Analysts believe he may have disagreed with Hassan over governance and the government’s response to protests surrounding the election.
Inquiry Finds Hundreds Killed
An official inquiry into the postelection violence found that at least 518 people died. Mohamed Chande Othman, who led the investigation, said the actual death toll could be higher.
Some families reportedly buried relatives without taking their bodies to morgues. The inquiry also recommended investigating the use of firearms after witnesses said security forces shot people inside their homes.
The latest political dispute has therefore added to concerns about Tanzania’s democratic direction.
CCM Maintains Long Political Dominance
CCM has governed Tanzania since the country gained independence from Britain in 1961. The party has maintained a powerful connection with the state and has played a central role in determining the country’s political leadership.
Tanzania’s reputation for stability has helped CCM retain strong support, particularly in rural areas. Hassan herself became president in 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, creating an orderly transfer of power.
The expulsion of Nchimbi now presents another significant political test for Hassan and the ruling party as Tanzania seeks to preserve its long-standing image of stability.
