Tanzanian Ambassador and prominent politician Humphrey Hesron Polepole has announced his resignation from all government and party leadership positions.
The decision, delivered via a letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and dated July 13, 2025, signals a significant shift in the political landscape, coming just days before the CCM (Chama cha Mapinduzi) deadline for candidates to declare their intentions for the upcoming general election.
Polepole, who has served in various high-profile roles, including as the former Secretary of Ideology and Publicity of the ruling CCM party, cited a fundamental conflict of principles and concerns over the direction of the party as the driving force behind his departure.
Polepole had been serving as the Ambassador to Cuba and High Commissioner to the Caribbean community (CARICOM) nations, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.
Before that, he was the Ambassador to Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil, positions he held from November 2020 to March 2022.
He also served as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial and diplomatic roles throughout his career.
In his letter, Polepole expressed gratitude to President Suluhu for the trust placed in him but emphasised that his decision was rooted in a 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.
Highlighting a conversation he had with the CCM party leadership earlier this year, Polepole referenced a directive to stop any activities that might contradict the party’s direction, interpreting it as a warning against acting according to his conscience and principles.
“I was asked, ‘Does the party’s interest or the people’s interest matter?'” Polepole recounted in the letter, indicating a tension between party loyalty and public service.
He stated that this conversation, among others, confirmed his inability to proceed under the current 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 stating his belief that history will judge his actions fairly.