DAR ES SALAAM, TANANIA — Tanzanian Ambassador and prominent politician Humphrey Hesron Polepole has announced his resignation from all government and party leadership positions.
This significant decision, conveyed through a letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and dated July 13, 2025, marks a notable shift in the political landscape, occurring just days before the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s deadline for candidates to declare their intentions for the upcoming general election.
Polepole, who has held various high-profile roles, including former Secretary of Ideology and Publicity of the ruling CCM party, stated that his departure was driven by a fundamental conflict of principles and concerns regarding the party’s current direction.
At the time of his resignation, Polepole was serving as the Ambassador to Cuba and High Commissioner to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.
Prior to these appointments, he served as Ambassador to Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil from November 2020 to March 2022.
His career also encompassed service as a Member of Parliament and various other ministerial and diplomatic capacities.
In his resignation letter, Polepole expressed gratitude to President Suluhu for the trust she had placed in him but underscored that his decision stemmed from a deep commitment to integrity and the welfare of the public.
“I cannot continue to be part of a leadership that is not inspired by obedience to the foundations and principles of the party and the nation, justice, and responsibility to the citizens,” Polepole wrote.
He further highlighted a conversation he had with the CCM party leadership earlier this year, referencing a directive to cease any activities that might contradict the party’s direction.
Polepole interpreted this as a warning against acting according to his conscience and principles.
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“I was asked, ‘Does the party’s interest or the people’s interest matter?'” Polepole recounted in the letter, indicating a perceived tension between party loyalty and public service.
He affirmed that this conversation, among others, solidified his inability to continue under the prevailing circumstances.
“I will continue to be a loyal Tanzanian citizen, committed to our nation. I have full faith in God and am convinced that one day our country will be led by unwavering principles of justice, integrity, good conscience, clean politics, and leadership driven by the fear of God,” Polepole affirmed.
The former diplomat concluded his letter by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve and conveyed his belief that history would judge his actions fairly.
