Tanzania’s Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, has resigned from his position, citing serious concerns about the leadership and accountability within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). In a heartfelt letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Polepole revealed that he could no longer serve under the current leadership due to what he described as a deterioration in political ethics, a disregard for citizens’ rights and the decline in integrity within the government.

Polepole shared that his resignation followed deep reflection on the state of governance in Tanzania. He expressed sadness over the lack of commitment to public service, which he believes has led to a crisis of leadership. In his letter he stated, “I have witnessed, with great sadness, the decline of leadership values and a failure to serve the people with integrity. This situation has disturbed my peace of mind.”

A significant part of his resignation letter was dedicated to criticizing the CCM’s nomination process for candidates. He said that the party’s once cherished principle of “the party first, the individual second” had been abandoned, with personal and group interests now taking precedence over the party’s core values. Despite stepping down from his diplomatic role, Polepole made it clear that he would continue to be a member of CCM, reaffirming his loyalty to Tanzania.

In his final remarks, Polepole thanked President Samia for the trust and opportunity to serve and expressed hope that one day Tanzania would be led by a government built on justice, good politics, and faith in God.

Before his tenure in Cuba, Polepole served as Tanzania’s Ambassador to Malawi from March 2022 to April 2023. He had also represented the Jamhuri ya Muungano constituency in Parliament between 2020 and 2022.