DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — President Samia Suluhu Hassan is mourning the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday 7, September 2026 while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.
Ameir died at about 8 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been undergoing treatment, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced on September 7.
“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, Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Ndejembi said.
The Vice President conveyed condolences to President Samia, her family, relatives and friends, as well as the people of Tanzania.
Ameir was buried on Monday in Kizimkazi, in southern Zanzibar, following funeral prayers attended by senior government, political and religious leaders.
A life away from the political spotlight
Ameir married Samia in 1978, before she rose to the highest office in Tanzania. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter — and largely kept their family life away from public attention.
Unlike his wife, who spent decades in public service, Ameir maintained a low public profile and rarely featured prominently at official events.
Before becoming Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Ameir was known for his work in agriculture and academia. He retired from professional life before his wife became President.
Also Read: From reformer to autocrat: How authoritarian regimes adapt — The case of Samia Suluhu
He assumed the historic role of Tanzania’s First Gentleman in March 2021, when Samia became president following the death of John Magufuli. She became Tanzania’s first female president.
Despite occupying a unique position alongside the country’s first woman president, Ameir generally remained outside the political spotlight.
His daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, later entered public service in Zanzibar.
Regional leaders mourn
Ameir’s death has prompted condolences from leaders across the region.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his sympathy to President Samia and described Ameir as her lifelong companion, a beloved father and a distinguished Tanzanian.
Other regional leaders have also joined Tanzania in mourning the former First Gentleman.
Ameir’s death marks a deeply personal loss for President Samia and her family, while Tanzania remembers a man who occupied a historic position but largely chose to live away from the political spotlight.
