Top ex-Chadema leaders join Chaumma, handed key positions
What you need to know:
- Their entry into Chaumma had been widely anticipated following their respective resignations from Chadema, which they attributed to growing discontent with the party’s direction.
Dar es Salaam. In a significant political development, three prominent former Chadema leaders—Mr Salum Mwalimu, Mr Benson Kigaila, and Ms Devotha Minja—were today officially inducted into the Party for People’s Liberation (Chaumma), immediately assuming senior leadership roles.
Their entry into Chaumma had been widely anticipated following their respective resignations from Chadema, which they attributed to growing discontent with the party’s direction.
The trio were formally welcomed during a National Executive Council meeting held on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, during which they were also sworn into their new positions.
In the leadership reshuffle, Mr Salum Mwalimu, who formerly served as Chadema’s Deputy Secretary-General for Zanzibar, was appointed Secretary-General of Chaumma. He replaces Mr Mohammed Masoud Rashid, who resigned earlier in the day.
Mr Mwalimu had remained with Chadema until its internal elections in January this year, after which he announced his departure.
Mr Benson Kigaila, Chadema’s former Deputy Secretary-General for Mainland, was named Vice Chairman (Mainland) of Chaumma. He takes over from Mr Kayungo Mohammed, who resigned along with Mr Rashid.
Meanwhile, Ms Devotha Minja, previously Chairperson of Chadema’s Central Zone, was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), replacing Mr Rahman Rungwe.
In a notable twist, Mr Mohammed Masoud, who had resigned as Secretary-General, was reappointed as Deputy Secretary-General for Zanzibar just hours after stepping down from the top post.
