Tanzania’s Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Hesron Polepole, has resigned from his diplomatic post and withdrawn from public service, citing a growing loss of confidence in the country’s governance and what he describes as a departure from the founding principles of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
In a letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mr. Polepole stated that his decision followed “deep reflection” on the state of leadership in the country, informed by his experience as a Member of Parliament and as a diplomat stationed in Malawi and most recently in Cuba.
"This has not been an easy decision," he wrote. "But it stems from a sincere evaluation of the direction of leadership in our country a leadership that, in my view, is increasingly detached from justice, accountability, and the dignity of its people."he added
Mr. Polepole has been serving as Tanzania’s Ambassador in Havana since April 2023, with oversight responsibilities extending to the wider Caribbean region, Central America, and several Latin American countries including Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana.
While expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country on the international stage, he lamented what he termed as a “systemic decline” in ethical leadership and public accountability.
"I have closely followed the state of governance, both at home and abroad, and have sadly witnessed a growing disregard for people’s rights, weakening institutional responsibility, and a diminishing culture of integrity within various levels of leadership," he said.
A former CCM Ideology and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Polepole is known for his once-loyal stance toward the party and its historical values.
However, in his resignation letter, he pointed to recent developments within the party particularly in its internal candidate selection processes as a signal that CCM is straying from its own traditions.
“There was a time when the principle ‘Chama kwanza, mtu baadaye’ [the party first, individual second] was more than a slogan it was a value that shaped decisions and kept the party credible before the public,” he said.
“But when I saw that principle compromised earlier this year, I was forced to question whose interests are truly being served those of individuals, factions, or the institution?”he added
Mr. Polepole made it clear that his resignation was not from the party itself, but from leadership structures that, in his view, have become unresponsive to public needs and detached from foundational ideals.
“I can no longer be part of a leadership that does not embody the constitutional values of the nation or uphold the moral and ethical responsibilities expected of public servants,” he said.
“I resign with a clear conscience, but remain a patriotic citizen and an ordinary member of CCM.”he added
He concluded his letter with a message of hope and faith, expressing confidence that one day Tanzania would be led by leaders grounded in justice, integrity, and a strong moral compass.
“I believe history will ultimately judge this decision in its rightful context,” he wrote.
Mr. Polepole’s resignation comes ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 general elections and is likely to raise further debate around political accountability and internal reform within the ruling party.
His exit also adds to a broader conversation about leadership standards and democratic values in the East African nation.