Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba Resigns, Accuses Political Leadership of Constitutional Violations

Edited By: Sekou Kagné

In a rare and bold move, Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, has announced his resignation from all official duties, citing what he described as “constitutional violations” and a decline in ethical and democratic standards within the country’s leadership.

The resignation, delivered through a formal letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, accused the current administration of abandoning the principles of justice, accountability, and human dignity. Polepole expressed deep disappointment in the direction taken by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which he has been a member of for years.

“I have lost confidence in the national leadership,” Polepole wrote, decrying what he called a growing “culture of opportunism” within the CCM. He stated that while he will retain party membership, he will no longer participate in any leadership roles.

Polepole, a former Member of Parliament and ex-Ambassador to Malawi, declared he could no longer represent a government that, in his view, contradicts the values of fairness and constitutional order.

The resignation comes at a politically sensitive time, as Tanzania prepares for its 2025 general elections, amid increasing criticism over restrictions on civil liberties, media clampdowns, and arbitrary arrests.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Tanzanian government or Cuban authorities regarding the ambassador’s resignation, which has sparked wide debate across diplomatic and political circles both within Africa and beyond.