Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken a 90-day leave of absence from office, beginning September 7, to mourn the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir, Tanzania’s Chief Secretary has confirmed.
Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka announced the leave in a statement dated September 8, saying that government duties would continue to be handled by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba in accordance with the law during the President’s absence. “Further information will be provided by the relevant authorities as necessary,” Kusiluka said.
Ameir, born on January 1, 1946, died on September 7 at around 8 a.m. while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. He was laid to rest the same day in Kizimkazi, in his family’s home area in the South Unguja region of southern Zanzibar.
Vice President Ndejembi made the initial announcement of his death, saying: “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.” He extended condolences to the President, her family, relatives and friends, as well as to the wider Tanzanian public, and confirmed that funeral arrangements were being carried out in Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agriculturalist known for keeping a low public profile, married Samia in 1978 and became Tanzania’s first-ever First Gentleman when she assumed the presidency in March 2021, following the death of then-President John Magufuli. The couple had four children together, three sons and a daughter, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who currently serves in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Ameir’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from regional leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto said he had received the news “with deep sorrow,” adding: “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.” Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said his country stood “side by side with the first family and all of Tanzania through this difficult time,” while Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye also sent formal condolences.
As the three-day mourning period drew to a close, President Samia thanked Tanzanians for the support extended to her and her family, saying the kindness and compassion shown by the public had helped them cope with the loss. She also thanked religious leaders and others who had offered prayers and condolences following her husband’s death, before beginning her formal 90-day leave from official duties.
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