CCM Faces Internal Struggles Ahead of 2025 Elections: Kinana Resigns as Turmoil and Scandal Unfold

By Adonis Byemelwa

As the 2025 elections approach, tensions within Tanzania's ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), are becoming increasingly apparent. The recent resignation of Abdulrahman Kinana from his role as Vice Chairman for Mainland Tanzania has added fuel to the fire, highlighting the party's ongoing internal realignments.

This development follows other significant events, such as the abrupt disappearance of Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda, Luhaga Mpina's involvement in the sugar scandal, and a series of cabinet reshuffles.

Kinana's resignation on July 29, 2024, was not his first departure from a key role within CCM. On May 28, 2018, Kinana resigned as the party's Secretary-General during President John Magufuli's administration.

His absence from the party spanned three years, ten months, and four days—totaling 1,404 days—before he returned to serve as Vice Chairman under President Samia Suluhu Hassan on April 1, 2022. His tenure in this latest role lasted 850 days, equivalent to two years, three months, and 28 days.

The reasons behind Kinana's initial departure and his subsequent return to CCM have been the subject of much speculation. During his time under former President Jakaya Kikwete, Kinana was known for his proactive and hands-on approach to party activities.

 He was often seen traveling across Tanzania, using his resources to strengthen the party's presence in various regions. Kinana was a vocal advocate for holding the government accountable to the party, a stance he reiterated upon assuming the Vice Chairman position.

However, Kinana's role significantly changed under President Magufuli. He appeared less active and more reticent, with many of his responsibilities seemingly delegated to the then-Secretary of Ideology and Publicity, Humphrey Polepole.

Reports indicate that Kinana sought to resign multiple times between 2016 and 2018, suggesting a growing discomfort with the party's direction during Magufuli's leadership.

Kinana's concerns were reportedly linked to the influx of opposition members into CCM, a move that altered the party's internal dynamics. This period also saw the emergence of figures like Cyprian Musiba, who publicly accused senior party members, including Kinana, of various infractions.

In July 2019, Abdulrahman Kinana and former CCM Secretary-General Yusuf Makamba co-authored a letter expressing deep frustration with the party's direction and its failure to address critical concerns.

This move highlighted significant internal discord. Recently, the dismissals of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation Minister January Makamba and former Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology Nape Nnauye, both close allies of Kinana, have been linked to this unrest.

Political analysts suggest these high-profile sackings were strategic moves to unsettle the party's leadership, drawing a vivid analogy to a goalkeeper leaving the net undefended as the opposition prepares to score. This situation highlights the critical timing and potential consequences of these actions as CCM faces a crucial period ahead.

Kinana's extensive political career includes military service, legislative roles, and significant leadership positions within CCM.

His close relationships with Kikwete and former President Benjamin Mkapa, who both praised his contributions to the party, underscore his long-standing influence in Tanzanian politics.

Mkapa, in a personal letter to Kinana, expressed his regret at Kinana's departure from the Secretary-General role, acknowledging his efforts to revitalize CCM during a challenging period.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan's leadership marks a notable shift within CCM, as she seeks to restore the party's traditional values and organizational structure.

This realignment may have been a factor in her decision to appoint Kinana as Vice Chairman, despite his apparent reluctance to continue in the position.

 According to Amos Makalla, CCM's Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, President Samia acknowledged Kinana's repeated requests to resign, expressing her reluctance to see him leave.

The Vice Chairman position, while largely advisory, was expected to play a crucial role in guiding the party through internal reforms.

As CCM gears up for the 2025 elections, there are lingering questions about whether Kinana's brief tenure under President Samia was as impactful as his previous role under Kikwete.

Kinana's departure has left a significant void in CCM's leadership at a critical juncture. His resignation comes amid a broader context of internal party challenges and public controversies, including the sudden disappearance of Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda. This incident has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the reasons behind his unexplained absence.

Moreover, the sugar scandal involving Luhaga Mpina has further complicated the political landscape. Mpina, known for his outspoken nature, has been linked to allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the sugar industry, a vital sector of Tanzania's economy. The scandal has not only affected public trust in government institutions but also raised questions about internal accountability mechanisms within CCM.

The series of cabinet reshuffles under President Samia's administration also reflects an ongoing effort to streamline governance and address internal discord. These reshuffles are seen as an attempt to align the government's executive arm with the party's broader strategic goals, particularly as the 2025 elections draw near.

Kinana's decision to leave his position as Vice Chairman has sparked widespread debate within CCM. Many party members and political analysts are questioning the implications of his departure for the party's future, especially in light of the upcoming elections. Kinana's departure is seen by some as indicative of deeper divisions within the party, which could affect its cohesion and electoral strategy.

In a statement following Kinana's resignation, Amos Makalla conveyed President Samia's sentiments, emphasizing the difficulty of convincing Kinana to stay. President Samia reportedly stated, "It is true that when I asked you to help us in the position of Vice Chairman, I promised you would serve for a short time as you requested. And indeed, I wanted you to continue helping us, but because you have repeatedly requested to resign, and promises must be kept, I am forced with a heavy heart to accept your resignation."

The internal dynamics within CCM are complex and multifaceted, with various factions vying for influence and control. Kinana's resignation may be seen as a move that reflects his discomfort with the current direction of the party. However, it also raises questions about the future of party leadership and the extent to which internal reforms can be effectively implemented.

As CCM prepares for the 2025 elections, the party faces significant challenges, including maintaining unity and addressing public concerns over governance and corruption. The departure of a senior figure like Kinana, known for his extensive experience and deep understanding of the party's history and dynamics, is a blow to CCM at a time when strong leadership is crucial.

Kinana's legacy within CCM is marked by his efforts to build and strengthen the party, often at great personal expense. His contributions have been acknowledged by various leaders, including former Presidents Mkapa and Kikwete. The respect and admiration he garnered within the party make his resignation particularly impactful.

The question remains: what will be the long-term impact of Kinana's departure on CCM's internal dynamics and its electoral prospects? The party's ability to navigate these challenges and present a united front will be critical as it seeks to retain power in the forthcoming elections.

Abdulrahman Kinana's resignation as CCM's Vice Chairman for Mainland Tanzania underlines the ongoing internal struggles within the ruling party. His departure, alongside other notable incidents such as the disappearance of Paul Makonda and the sugar scandal involving Luhaga Mpina, highlights the complexities facing CCM as it approaches the 2025 elections. The party's leadership will need to address these challenges head-on to maintain its position and ensure a cohesive and effective governance strategy.