Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died at the age of 76. Hafidh died at about 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced. Ndejembi conveyed condolences to President Samia, the bereaved family, relatives and the people of Tanzania.

Hafidh became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021, when Samia became the country’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli. Despite his wife’s prominent political position, Hafidh largely maintained a low public profile. He was a retired agricultural academic who generally stayed away from the political spotlight. The title of First Gentleman is an unofficial designation traditionally associated with the spouse of a sitting president. Hafidh’s assumption of the role marked a first in Tanzania’s political history. Hafidh and Samia married in 1978 and had four children, including their daughter Wanu Hafidh Ameir, a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.

Authorities said funeral arrangements were being made in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, Hafidh’s home area. The announcement prompted messages of condolence from leaders across the region, including Kenyan President William Ruto, who described Hafidh as President Samia’s lifelong companion and a beloved father. Ruto said Kenya stood with Tanzania and the bereaved family during the period of mourning. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other regional leaders also expressed condolences following the announcement.

Although Hafidh occupied a unique position as Tanzania’s first First Gentleman, he generally maintained a private life. His background was primarily in agriculture and academia rather than frontline politics. His public profile increased after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021, making him the first man to occupy Tanzania’s unofficial presidential-spouse role. His death ends his five-year tenure as First Gentleman as Tanzania prepares for his burial in Zanzibar. The government is expected to provide further details about the funeral programme and other official arrangements.