DODOMA, Tanzania – Tanzania’s former Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has been expelled from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, a day after resigning from his position as Vice President.
CCM Secretary General Asharose Migiro announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the party’s National Executive Committee had unanimously agreed to remove Nchimbi from its membership for conduct that allegedly violated the party’s principles, discipline and ethics.
“By unanimous decision, the National Executive Committee of Chama Cha Mapinduzi passed the decision that, due to conduct violating our rules regarding discipline and ethics, Comrade Nchimbi is expelled from party membership in accordance with our regulations,” Migiro said.
The expulsion follows Nchimbi’s resignation as Vice President on Tuesday, amid reports of tensions between him and President Samia Suluhu.
Nchimbi resigns as Vice President
He said he had previously committed to serving faithfully and stepping aside whenever the President wanted a change.
“I also assured her (President Suluhu) that whenever she sees the need for another Vice President, I will vacate the position. I am fully satisfied, without any doubt, that Her Excellency the President desires change, and thus I have decided to fulfil my promise,” Nchimbi said in a public statement.
His resignation came weeks after reports emerged that he had fallen out with President Suluhu.
CCM has now recommended Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi to take up the Vice President position.
Nchimbi’s political career
Nchimbi is a seasoned politician who rose through the ranks of CCM’s youth wing, UVCCM.
He became chairman of the youth organisation in 1998 while working at the National Environment Management Council.
In 2005, he was elected Member of Parliament for Songea Town, winning 67.6 per cent of the vote.
The following year, then-President Jakaya Kikwete appointed Nchimbi Deputy Minister for Information, Culture and Sports.
He subsequently served in several government positions, including Deputy Minister for Labour, Employment and Youth Development and Deputy Minister for Defence and National Service.
Nchimbi later became Minister for Information, Culture and Sports before being appointed Minister for Home Affairs.
He served as Home Affairs Minister from May 2012 to December 2013.
