Tanzanian President Samia loses husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan

Tanzania is mourning Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.

The death was announced officially by Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, on Monday.

Ndejembi said Ameir died at about 8:00 a.m. local time, equivalent to 6:00 a.m. GMT, at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

According to the Vice President, Ameir had been receiving treatment for a heart condition before his death.

He expressed condolences to President Samia, her family, relatives and friends, describing the death as a painful loss to those close to him.

Funeral arrangements are currently underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Tanzania’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile. He became Tanzania’s First Gentleman after President Samia took office in 2021.

Following the announcement, leaders from across Africa expressed their condolences to President Samia and her family.

Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news of Ameir’s death with “deep sorrow.”

Ruto wrote: “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed his condolences, saying they “stand side by side” with the first family and all of Tanzania during “this difficult time.”

Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye also paid his respects and prayed for President Samia and her family to receive “comfort and strength in this difficult moment.”

He added: “May he [God] grant eternal rest to the soul of Hafidh Ameir Hassan.”

The First Gentleman rarely appeared in public alongside President Samia and was only occasionally seen with her at official events.

Hafidh Ameir Hassan married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician who currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.

Funeral preparations are continuing in Kizimkazi as Tanzania mourns the death of the First Gentleman.

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