oluwatosin oyeniyi DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania is mourning the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.
Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death on September 7, saying Hafidh died at around 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, the family’s home area in Zanzibar.
The announcement has prompted condolences from Tanzanians and leaders across East Africa, including Kenyan President William Ruto and Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Tanzania’s First Gentleman
Hafidh Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 after Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.
While his wife became one of East Africa’s most prominent political figures, Hafidh largely remained away from the political spotlight and maintained a private public profile.
He was known professionally for his work in agriculture and academia before his retirement. Reports say he and President Samia married in 1978 and had four children.
His role as First Gentleman was largely defined by his support for the President rather than public political activity.
Regional condolences
News of Hafidh’s death has drawn messages of sympathy from neighbouring countries as Tanzania begins a period of mourning.
Kenyan President William Ruto described him as a lifelong companion to President Samia and a beloved father to their children, while expressing condolences to the Tanzanian people.
The death comes at a significant moment in Tanzania’s political calendar. President Samia is serving her second term after the country’s 2025 presidential election, which was heavily criticised by opposition groups and international observers over the exclusion of major opposition candidates.
However, the immediate focus remains on the President and her family as preparations for Hafidh’s burial continue.
Burial preparations in Zanzibar
According to the Vice President, funeral arrangements are already underway in Kizimkazi.
The coming days are expected to bring together family members, government officials, political leaders and members of the public to pay their respects to a figure who occupied a unique place in Tanzania’s recent history.
Hafidh Ameir’s death marks a deeply personal loss for President Samia and her family, while also bringing national attention to the man who became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman and largely supported his wife away from the political spotlight.
