Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband, Hafidh Ameir, dies

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died in Zanzibar while receiving treatment for a heart condition, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has announced.

Ameir died at around 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, according to the official announcement.

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Mr Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Ndejembi said.

The Vice President said Ameir died while undergoing treatment for a heart condition at the hospital.

“I extend my condolences to Her Excellency the President, the family, relatives and friends, and to all Tanzanians for this loss,” Ndejembi said.

He added that funeral arrangements were being made in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.

Ameir had maintained a largely private life despite his wife’s long political career and her eventual rise to Tanzania’s presidency.

He became the country’s first First Gentleman when Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, making her Tanzania’s first female president.

Before taking on that historic position, Ameir was known for his work in agriculture and academia. He continued to maintain a low public profile after his wife became head of state, rarely placing himself at the centre of her political activities.

President Samia’s official biography states that the couple had four children: three sons and one daughter.

Ameir’s death has prompted messages of condolence from within Tanzania and elsewhere in the region.

Kenyan President William Ruto was among the regional leaders who expressed condolences to President Samia and her family, describing Ameir as her lifelong companion, a beloved father to their children and a distinguished son of Tanzania.

The burial was scheduled to take place in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, later on Monday, according to reports following the government announcement.