Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was announced on Monday, September 7, 2026, by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi.
According to the announcement, Ameir died at about 8:00 a.m. while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, the bereaved family, relatives, friends and the people of Tanzania.
Funeral arrangements were reportedly underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, the area associated with the family.
Ameir had largely maintained a private life despite his wife’s prominent political career. He married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978, long before she became Tanzania’s president, and the couple had four children. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also involved in public service in Zanzibar.
When Samia became Tanzania’s president in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, Ameir became the country’s First Gentleman, a historic position as the husband of Tanzania’s first female president.
Unlike some spouses of political leaders who regularly appear at official functions, Ameir generally stayed away from the political spotlight. Reports describe him as an agriculturalist and academic who pursued a professional career separate from his wife’s political activities.
His background was largely connected to agriculture and public service. He was described as a retired agricultural officer and agricultural academic who worked in the sector before retiring from public service.
Ameir’s death has prompted condolences from leaders across the region. Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sympathy to President Samia and her family, describing Ameir as a lifelong companion to the Tanzanian president and a distinguished Tanzanian. Other regional leaders, including Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema and Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, also conveyed their condolences.
His passing marks the loss of a figure who occupied a unique place in Tanzania’s recent history. Although he largely avoided public attention, his position as the country’s first First Gentleman made him an important part of Tanzania’s political history.
President Samia is currently serving her second term as Tanzania’s head of state. The death of her husband is therefore both a personal loss for the president and her family and a significant moment for the Tanzanian nation.
Further details concerning the funeral and official mourning arrangements are expected to be announced by the Tanzanian authorities.
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Source: Thepressradio.com
