Tanzania is mourning the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the country’s first First Gentleman.
Hafidh died on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment for a heart-related illness at a hospital in Zanzibar. His death was announced by Vice-President Deogratius John Ndejembi, who conveyed the news in his capacity as one of the country’s top constitutional and political leaders.
Ndejembi is a relatively new but increasingly prominent figure in Tanzania’s political scene. He became Vice-President after being nominated by President Samia to replace Emmanuel Nchimbi, who resigned from the position and retired from active politics. Before his elevation to the vice-presidency, Ndejembi served as Minister of Energy and had built a political career within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), including parliamentary and government positions.
His appointment placed him in Tanzania’s second-highest political office and made him an important member of President Samia’s administration. He was sworn in as Vice-President in late August 2026 after Parliament approved his nomination.
It was in this new role that Ndejembi announced the death of Hafidh, extending condolences to President Samia, the family and Tanzanians following the loss.
Hafidh, a retired agricultural academic and researcher, married Samia Suluhu in 1978, decades before she rose to become Tanzania’s president.
When Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, Hafidh became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman. Despite the historic nature of the position, he deliberately maintained a quiet public profile and rarely appeared at major state functions.
The couple raised four children together, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who is a lawmaker in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Hafidh’s death therefore marks the loss of a man who occupied a unique place in Tanzania’s political history while largely remaining away from the political spotlight.
Funeral arrangements are being organised in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, the family’s native village, where he is expected to be laid to rest.
The death has also drawn condolences from leaders across East Africa, including Kenyan President William Ruto and Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
