Tanzania Mourns as President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband Hafidh Ameir Hassan Dies
The death was announced on Monday, September 7, 2026, by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi in a statement issued through the media.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Tanzania has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The death was announced on Monday, September 7, 2026, by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi in a statement issued through the media.
In his announcement, Mr Ndejembi said Mr Ameir died at 8 a.m. at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he was receiving treatment for a heart condition.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Mr Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Mr Ndejembi said.
The Vice President conveyed condolences on behalf of the government to President Hassan, her family, relatives and friends, as well as to all Tanzanians following the loss.
According to the Vice President, funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
Mr Hassan, who largely kept a low public profile despite his wife’s high-ranking position, was known as a private family man who rarely appeared at official state functions. President Samia, who made history in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female President, has often spoken of her family’s support throughout her long political career, which has taken her from a Member of Parliament for Makunduchi to Vice President and ultimately to the highest office in the country.
The couple, who hailed from Zanzibar, have been married for decades and have four children.
The news of his death has drawn an outpouring of condolences from across Tanzania and the region. Leaders, political parties, religious leaders and ordinary citizens have taken to various platforms to express solidarity with President Hassan and her family during this difficult moment.
The government said further communication will be issued regarding the funeral program and burial arrangements in Kizimkazi, which is President Samia’s home village in Unguja South Region, Zanzibar.
Mr Hassan’s death comes at a time when President Hassan has been leading the country through a period of political and economic reforms. She has continued to carry out her official duties while maintaining a distinction between her public role and her private family life.
The Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, where Mr Hassan passed away, is one of the main referral facilities in Zanzibar.
The government has called on Tanzanians to remain calm and to keep the First Family in their prayers as they mourn.
More details on the official mourning period and funeral schedule are expected to be announced by the government later on Monday.
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