Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband Dies

Mon Sep 07 2026 13:09:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzania president Samia Suluhu Hassan, died at 56 while undergoing treatment in Zanzibar.

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the first First Gentleman of Tanzania, passed away on Monday after a prolonged heart condition while being treated at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. Vice‑President Deogratias Ndejembi announced the death and reported that funeral arrangements were underway in the Kizimkazi area. The low‑profile academic, who held a doctorate in agriculture, had shared the presidency with Samia since 2021 and the family has expressed profound grief. International leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, released condolences, underscoring the loss for both the nation and the region.

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the former First Gentleman of Tanzania, died on Monday while receiving treatment at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. The vice‑president, Deogratias Ndejembi, announced the death and stated that Hafidh had been suffering from a heart condition.

Funeral arrangements are being prepared in the Kizimkazi village on Zanzibar. Hafidh, an agricultural academic, maintained a low public profile and was seldom seen alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan in public events.

The couple, who married in 1978, have four children together – three sons and a daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives. International leaders expressed deep sorrow; Kenya’s President William Ruto said he received the news with profound grief.

Hafidh’s death marks the loss of a lifelong companion to President Samia, a father to their children, and a respected figure in Tanzania.