🇹🇿 Tanzania Mourns: President Samia Suluhu Hassan Loses Husband, First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar. Hafidh Ameir died on Monday, September 7, at about 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, according to Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who announced his death and conveyed condolences to the President and her family. Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 after his wife assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli. He largely maintained a low public profile despite his historic position alongside Tanzania’s first female president. Agricultural Academic and Public Servant Before becoming First Gentleman, Ameir worked primarily in agriculture and academia. He served with Zanzibar’s Ministry of Agriculture and later taught at Kizimbani Agricultural College after retiring from government service. He married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978, and the couple had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is involved in politics and serves as a lawmaker in Zanzibar. Regional Leaders Pay Tribute News of Ameir’s death prompted condolences from leaders across East Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as President Samia’s lifelong companion, a beloved father and a distinguished Tanzanian. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye also expressed condolences to President Samia and the Tanzanian people. Zanzibar’s President, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, also joined the mourning, while Ndayishimiye travelled to Zanzibar to convey his condolences. Ameir was buried in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar, on September 7, with government, religious and political leaders attending the funeral. His death marks the loss of a figure who, despite remaining largely outside the political spotlight, occupied a unique place in Tanzania’s recent history as the country's first First Gentleman. Source: The Citizen Tanzania / Associated Press — September 7–8, 2026. Editorial note: The cause of death has been reported as complications related to a heart condition, based on the official announcement by Tanzania’s Vice President.