By: Blank Ink
In a resignation letter dated july 13, 2025 , Tanzania’s Ambassador to cuba, Humphrey H. Polepole , announced his decision to step down, citing a deep seated loss of confidence in the direction of the ruling political party CCM ( Chama Cha Mapinduzi ) and the national leadership under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. In his letter Polepole expressed distress over what he described as a declining respect for the constitution , human rights , and public accountability ,the decline of leadership values which disturbed his peace of mind . He criticized CCM’s internal processes, noting that the motto ”Party first, Individual second” has been manipulated to exclude reform voices and serve narrow personal or factional interests. His letter emphasized a national leadership no longer loyal to constitutional principle , justice , morality and accountability.
Polepole , a former CCM ideology & Publicity Secretary under President Magufuli, and previously Ambassador to Malawi (2022 – 2023), stated he would remain a CCM member but could not continue to serve in what he described as a ” leadership space divorced from ethical values “
His resignation has sparked speculation that it reflects and may even signal rising dissent within CCM, possibly ahead of important candidate nomination for the 2025 election. Looking at public and youth response as online reactions have been mixed some view him as a principled whistle-blower, while critics accuse him of opportunism given his close ties to the Magufuli era hardline wing. Tanzania must now appoint a successor in Havana, with polepole concurrently accredited to the caribbean region, including Venezuela, Columbia, Guyana, and others.
Humphrey Polepole ‘s resignation as Tanzania’s Ambassador to Cuba is more than just a diplomatic exist. It is a bold political statement that exposes growing cracks within the ruling CCM party. His decision to step down, citing a lack of peace, ethical concerns, and a loss of faith in the country’s leadership, signals dissatisfaction from within the inner circles of government . As Tanzania approaches its next general election, his departure raises serious about the direction of the party, the state of internal democracy and the future of political accountability in the country.
whether Polepole’s move inspire broader reform or is dismissed as an isolated act of defiance remains to be seen but it has undoubtedly sparked national and international attention.
