Zanzibar, Sept. 7 — Tanzania is in mourning after the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday morning while undergoing treatment for a heart condition.
Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death, saying Hafidh passed away at around 8 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. “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 announcement has drawn a wave of condolences from within Tanzania and beyond, with regional leaders, including African Union chairperson Ali Youssouf and Kenyan President William Ruto, among those who have publicly mourned the loss. Ndejembi conveyed the government’s condolences to the bereaved family and called on Tanzanians to stand with President Samia during the period of grief.
Funeral arrangements are already underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, the president’s home village.
Hafidh, who married Samia in 1978 and had four children with her, was known for keeping a low public profile even as his wife rose to become Tanzania’s first female president in 2021. He had a background in agriculture and largely stayed out of the political spotlight throughout her tenure.
President Samia continues to lead the country as Tanzania mourns alongside her.