Tanzania’s 3rd Vice President in 5 Years Takes Oath

Deogratius John Ndejembi has been sworn in as the new Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, becoming the third person to hold the position under President Samia Suluhu Hassan in less than five years.

Ndejembi took the oath of office on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during a ceremony held at State House in Chamwino, Dodoma.

He succeeds Emmanuel John Nchimbi, who resigned from the Vice Presidency earlier this month after reportedly falling out with President Samia over his position on activism calling for constitutional reforms in Tanzania.

Ndejembi’s appointment followed the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s internal process to fill the vacancy created by Nchimbi’s resignation.

With his swearing-in, Ndejembi becomes Tanzania’s 13th Vice President and the third to serve under President Samia since she assumed office in March 2021.

Dr Philip Mpango was the first Vice President appointed by Samia after she became President. Mpango later left the position on health grounds ahead of the 2025 General Election.

He was succeeded by Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi, who assumed office following the October 2025 General Election. However, Nchimbi’s tenure lasted less than a year before he announced his resignation as Vice President and retirement from active politics in August 2026.

Nchimbi’s departure was followed by disciplinary action within CCM. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) subsequently expelled him from the ruling party.

Ndejembi now takes charge of the Vice Presidency at a politically significant moment for Tanzania, with the new appointment marking another change in President Samia’s senior leadership team since she came to power in 2021.