Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced his resignation in an unprecedented move, weeks after reports emerged of a growing rift between him and President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Nchimbi, 54, announced his decision in a brief resignation letter posted on Instagram, saying he wanted to respect the president’s wishes. Sources in both his office and the presidency confirmed his resignation.

He said he would retire from public life at the end of next week, less than 10 months after taking office, making him the first vice-president in Tanzania’s history to resign.

Nchimbi served as Hassan’s running mate in last October’s disputed presidential election, which was followed by deadly post-election unrest.

The pair were sworn into office last November after officially winning 98% of the vote.

Violence in the aftermath of the election led to the deaths of at least 500 people, according to an official inquiry. Opposition parties and human rights organisations accused security forces of carrying out a brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.

In his resignation letter, Nchimbi said his decision followed his belief that President Hassan wanted a change in her deputy.

“I have become convinced, without doubt, that the president wants changes, and I have therefore decided to fulfil my promise,” he wrote, referring to a pledge he had made to Hassan to resign if she wanted another vice-president.

He thanked the president and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for the confidence they had placed in him, as well as Tanzanians for supporting him throughout his public service.

Nchimbi said he was resigning in accordance with Tanzania’s constitution and would remain a “good citizen of Tanzania”.

His departure comes after several controversial remarks in recent weeks that appeared to signal tensions with the president.

Last month, Nchimbi urged Tanzanians to “fight for a new constitution”, arguing that the country had an opportunity to secure one before 2030.

He also said constitutional reform could help address injustice, strengthen human rights, improve governance and deepen democracy.

Nchimbi previously served as secretary-general of the CCM and held several senior government positions, including minister of information and minister of home affairs.

He later served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and Egypt before becoming vice-president. (Arise News)