Tanzania Mourns as President Samia’s Husband Hafidh Ameir Is Laid to Rest

Tanzania Mourns as President Samia’s Husband Hafidh Ameir Is Laid to Rest

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was laid to rest on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, in a funeral attended by senior government officials, political leaders and religious figures.

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba were among those who joined the family and mourners to pay their final respects. The funeral prayer was led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi.

Several former national and Zanzibar leaders also attended, including retired President Jakaya Kikwete, former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein, and former First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman.

Hafidh was born on January 1, 1946, in Kisakasaka village, Unguja. He began his education at Kombeni Shakani School before completing secondary education at Tumekuja Secondary School.

He later trained as a teacher at Zanzibar Teachers’ College and worked in several schools before pursuing a career in agriculture.

In 1980, he joined Uyole Agricultural College in Mbeya to study agriculture. He later worked as an agriculture instructor at Fidel Castro School in Pemba and pursued further training in coconut farming in Sri Lanka.

Hafidh subsequently returned to Zanzibar and continued working with the Ministry of Agriculture. He later travelled to Britain, where he studied agricultural machinery engineering and obtained a master’s degree.

After returning to Zanzibar, he continued serving in the Ministry of Agriculture until retiring in 2005. He remained active in education after retirement, teaching at Kizimbani Agricultural College.

Hafidh died on September 7, 2026, following a period of illness related to heart disease. He is survived by two widows, four children and 15 grandchildren.

His death has sparked mourning across Tanzania, with leaders and citizens remembering his contributions to education, agriculture and public service.