Tanzania’s Vice President, Emmanuel Nchimbi, has resigned from office, saying he wants to respect President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s wish for a different vice president.

Nchimbi, who announced his decision yesterday, said his resignation would take effect on September 4, adding that he had earlier promised to step down if the President wanted a change.

The resignation comes a week after the suspension of the critical Mwanahalisi newspaper, which had reported alleged divisions between Nchimbi and Hassan.

Nchimbi said he was retiring from politics and public service.