FAMReports News Desk | September 2026
Tanzania is mourning the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the country’s First Gentleman, who died while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.
Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced Ameir’s death on Monday, saying he passed away at approximately 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
Ndejembi conveyed condolences to President Samia, her family, relatives, friends and Tanzanians following the death.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, died on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment in Zanzibar.
• Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced that Ameir died at about 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.
• He had been receiving treatment for a heart condition.
• Ameir became Tanzania’s First Gentleman when Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021.
• The couple married in 1978 and had four children.
• Ameir was known for maintaining a low public profile despite his wife’s position as head of state.
• He was buried on Monday in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar.
The death has prompted messages of sympathy from leaders across East Africa and beyond as Tanzania mourns a figure who largely remained away from the political spotlight despite occupying a historically significant position.
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A Private Figure Beside Tanzania’s President
Ameir was an agricultural academic and former public servant who maintained a largely private life.
Unlike his wife, whose political career eventually took her to the presidency, he rarely appeared in public and was only occasionally seen alongside President Samia at official functions. His relatively low profile continued after Samia became president in March 2021.
At that point, Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman, following his wife’s historic rise as the country’s first woman to serve as president.
His position was therefore historically significant, even though he generally avoided seeking public attention.
A Marriage That Predated President Samia’s Political Career
Hafidh Ameir and Samia Suluhu Hassan married in 1978, several years before Samia entered national politics. The couple had four children, three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician who serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
The family largely maintained its private life, with Ameir supporting his wife away from the centre of political activity.
Regional Leaders Send Condolences
News of Ameir’s death prompted condolences from leaders across the region. Kenyan President William Ruto expressed what he described as deep sorrow over the death.
Ruto said President Samia had lost a lifelong companion, while her children had lost a beloved father and Tanzania had lost a distinguished son.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed solidarity with President Samia and the people of Tanzania.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye similarly conveyed his condolences and prayed for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
Ameir Laid to Rest in Kizimkazi
Funeral arrangements were made in Kizimkazi, the family’s home area in southern Zanzibar. Ameir was buried there on Monday, September 7, following funeral prayers attended by government, religious and political leaders.
The funeral was led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi, with Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba among those attending.
The burial brought together national leaders, religious figures, relatives and members of the community to pay their final respects to the former First Gentleman.
An Agricultural Academic
Before becoming Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Ameir was primarily known for his work in agriculture and academia. Reports on his life describe him as a professional agriculturalist who spent much of his career working away from the political limelight.
His professional background also distinguished him from the political environment in which his wife operated. Even after Samia became president, Ameir largely maintained his preference for a quiet public life.
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