Three top leaders of Tanzania’s opposition party step down ahead of much-anticipated integration

Dar es Salaam. Three national leaders of the Liberation People’s Party (Chaumma) have tendered their resignation, a move seen as paving the way for the anticipated integration of members from the G55 coalition group.

Those who stepped down are the party’s Secretary-General, Mr Mohammed Masoud Rashid; Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), Mr Rahman Rungwe; and Vice Chairman (Mainland), Mr Kayungo Mohammed.

Their decision, announced during a central committee meeting held today, Monday, May 19, 2025, appears to be linked to the party’s efforts to accommodate new leadership drawn from incoming G55 members, expected to be formally welcomed later today.

In his resignation address, Mr Rashid said he was stepping aside in line with Article 53 of the party’s constitution to enable the central committee to refocus on expanding the party’s membership and public appeal.

“I have resigned as Secretary-General to allow the party to focus on bringing in members who will be embraced by the public. This is a legitimate step for the benefit of our citizens and the future of our party,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Mr Rungwe, who noted: “For the good of our party and the public, I am resigning to allow others to lead the way forward.”

Mr Kayungo also announced his resignation, stating: “Politics is a relay; there comes a time when you must pass the baton to others so they can continue building the party.”

Commenting on the developments, the party’s Director of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Ali Omar Juma, said the resignations were in line with the party’s constitution, citing Article 53(R), which grants the central committee authority to approve or remove leaders.

The announcements marked the conclusion of the meeting.