Tanzania's Vice President Philip Mpango has formally requested to step down from his position, President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced during a special general meeting of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party in Dodoma on Sunday.
After deliberation, President Samia accepted Mpango's resignation, though he will continue to serve until the country’s General Election later this year.
President Samia explained that Mpango, who is 68 years old, cited personal reasons for his decision, emphasizing his desire to focus on his health and well-being. The vice president reportedly submitted his resignation letter last week, and after initial hesitation, the president consulted the ruling party’s central committee, which agreed to honor his request.
At the meeting, the ruling party formally approved Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hussein Ali Mwinyi as their candidates for the Union and Zanzibar presidential elections, respectively. This decision came after a recommendation from former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who led Tanzania from 2005 to 2015.