BY ISSAH OLEGOR
Tanzania has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.
Hafidh, who largely remained away from the political spotlight throughout his wife’s rise to the highest office in Tanzania, died at approximately 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
The announcement was made by Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who confirmed the death and extended condolences to President Samia, the wider family and the late First Gentleman’s friends.
Funeral arrangements were subsequently said to be underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar associated with the late Hafidh and his family.
His death marks the loss of a figure who occupied a unique position in Tanzania’s recent political history. When President Samia assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, Hafidh became Tanzania’s first ‘First Gentleman’.
Despite the historic nature of his position, he largely avoided the public attention that came with being married to the country’s first female president. Unlike many political spouses who become highly visible through public engagements, Hafidh maintained a comparatively private life and appeared alongside his wife only occasionally at official functions.
Before his wife’s political career took centre stage, Hafidh had established his own professional identity as an agricultural academic. His life was therefore largely centred on academia and family rather than political campaigning or public office.
A marriage that began long before State House
President Samia and Hafidh were married in 1978, long before she became one of the most powerful political figures in East Africa.
Their marriage spanned nearly five decades, covering a remarkable transformation in Samia’s personal and political life—from her early years before entering national politics to her historic rise to the presidency.
Together, the couple had four children—three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has also entered politics and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives, extending the family’s connection to public service.
For President Samia, Hafidh’s death therefore represents not only the loss of a husband but also of a longtime companion who shared much of her life before and during her rise through Tanzania’s political system.
News of Hafidh’s death quickly prompted messages of sympathy from leaders across Africa and the region.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sorrow over the passing, describing the loss in terms of a family tragedy in which President Samia had lost her lifelong companion and their children had lost their father.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also conveyed solidarity with Tanzania’s First Family and the people of the country during the difficult period.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye joined the regional leaders in offering condolences and praying for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family.
The African Union also expressed its sympathy. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf conveyed his condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
