Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who said Hafidh died at about 8:00 a.m. at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
According to the Vice President, Hafidh had been receiving treatment for a heart condition before his death.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of the president of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Ndejembi said.
He extended his condolences to President Samia, the family, relatives and friends, as well as the people of Tanzania.
Funeral arrangements are reportedly being made in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, the family’s native area.
Hafidh, who largely maintained a low public profile, became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in 2021 when his wife assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.
President Samia became Tanzania’s first female president and is currently serving her second term in office.
The couple were married for several decades and had four children, including their daughter Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who is a politician and member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Following the announcement, condolences have begun pouring in from African leaders and institutions.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to President Samia and her family, while African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also conveyed his sympathy to the Tanzanian president and the people of Tanzania.
