Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu’s husband dies in hospital

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By Adewale Adesewa

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Tanzania is mourning the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.

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Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, made the official announcement on Monday, September 7, saying Ameir died at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

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Ndejembi said Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition and extended his condolences to President Samia, her family, relatives and friends following the death.

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Funeral arrangements are currently underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Tanzania’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

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Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile. He became Tanzania’s First Gentleman after President Samia took office in 2021.

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Following the announcement, leaders from across Africa expressed their condolences to President Samia and her family.

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Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news of Ameir’s death with “deep sorrow.”

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Ruto wrote: “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”

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Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed his condolences, saying they “stand side by side” with the first family and all of Tanzania during “this difficult time.”

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Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye also paid his respects and prayed for President Samia and her family to receive “comfort and strength in this difficult moment.”

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He added: “May he [God] grant eternal rest to the soul of Hafidh Ameir Hassan.”

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The First Gentleman rarely appeared in public alongside President Samia and was only occasionally seen with her at official events.

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Hafidh Ameir Hassan married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter.

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Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician who currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.

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Funeral preparations are continuing in Kizimkazi as Tanzania mourns the death of the First Gentleman.

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