Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has announced that he will not run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, effectively ending his 10-year tenure in office.
Initially, Majaliwa had stated that he would seek a fourth term as MP in the October 2025 elections, but in a surprise announcement on Wednesday, he said he was stepping down.
The 64-year-old, who was appointed Prime Minister in 2015, was once considered a potential successor to the late President John Magufuli after his death in 2021. However, he remained in his position under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is seeking reelection through the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Majaliwa, who has represented Ruangwa constituency since 2010, said his decision was guided by God and made “in good faith.”
Without elaborating on his reasons, he said:
“The time has come to give others the opportunity to build on the foundation of development we’ve laid.”
The announcement came just a week after Majaliwa had confirmed his intention to run again and had even told constituents he would seek reelection. This sudden shift has fueled speculation about internal power dynamics within CCM.
Majaliwa emphasized that he would remain a senior figure within CCM and expressed his full support for President Samia’s candidacy.
In Tanzania, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President from among the elected members of parliament and is responsible for overseeing government operations in parliament.
Majaliwa is regarded as a calm but firm leader, credited with ensuring a smooth transition after Magufuli’s death. A former teacher, he rose through CCM ranks and previously served as a minister under President Jakaya Kikwete.
His departure follows that of Vice President Philip Mpango, who in May also announced his retirement from politics. Analysts believe these exits give President Samia more space to consolidate power and prepare for a second term.
Political analyst Nicodemus Minde told BBC that Samia may be working to balance regional and religious representation in her next government, given that both she and Majaliwa are Muslims in a Christian-majority country.
Another analyst, Ezekieli Kamwaga, said Majaliwa might have simply wanted to retire after a decade of service:
“Something must have changed his mind. After 10 years as Prime Minister, maybe he feels it’s time.”
Tanzania is preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections, with the ruling CCM party expected to retain power.
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, has been barred from participating in the elections for refusing to recognize new electoral regulations. The party is demanding electoral reforms.
Several CHADEMA leaders have been arrested, and there are reports of kidnappings and killings targeting opposition members.
On Thursday, July 3, the government denied allegations of a plot to poison CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing fraud charges.
Despite CHADEMA’s concerns over Lissu’s safety while in police custody, Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said authorities had no plans to harm or poison any detainee.
Msigwa warned that anyone spreading “false information” would face legal consequences.
