Unguja/Dar. Regional heads have joined Tanzanians in expressing profound sorrow following the death of the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan, as colleagues and elders remembered his extensive contributions to the agricultural sector.
Mzee Ameir passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 8:00 am at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar while undergoing treatment for heart disease.
His funeral is scheduled for 4:00 pm today, Monday, September 7, 2026, in Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to President Hassan, describing Mzee Ameir as her lifelong companion, a beloved father to their children, and a distinguished son of Tanzania.
“Kenya stands with Tanzania during the mourning period and prays for comfort and strength for President Hassan and her family,” said President Ruto.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed his condolences to President Hassan, her family, and Tanzanians, stating that Rwanda stood with them as they mourned Mzee Ameir and reflected on his life and legacy.
Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye also conveyed his condolences to President Hassan and the Tanzanian people.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent a message of sympathy to President Hassan, her family, and Tanzanians, stating that his country stood in solidarity with the bereaved family and the nation.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema conveyed his condolences to President Hassan, noting that his country stood alongside the First Family and the people of Tanzania during this difficult period.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined regional leaders in expressing solidarity with the Hassan family and Tanzanians, praying for Mzee Ameir to be granted a place in paradise.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed his condolences to President Hassan, her family, and the people of Tanzania, wishing them strength, courage, and solace, while praying for the peaceful repose of Mzee Hafidh's soul.
Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, via a State House statement released to the media, said he received news of the passing with immense sorrow, joining President Hassan, the family, relatives, and friends in grief.
“This loss is huge for the family and all who were close to the deceased, so I pray to Almighty God to grant President Samia, together with her family, patience, strength, and comfort during this difficult period,” said Dr Mwinyi.
The burial in Kizimkazi is expected to bring together family members, government leaders, and citizens to bid farewell to the First Gentleman.
Mzee Ameir previously served as a civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture and as a lecturer at the Kizimbani Agricultural College, as Mr Kassim Biwi, an elder who worked with him, provided detailed accounts of his service.
Mr Biwi remembered Mzee Ameir as an accomplished public servant who served the nation in teaching and crop development.
“He is a retired specialist in coconut crops and a former tutor at the Kizimbani Agricultural College,” said Mr Biwi, adding that Mzee Hafidh was a dedicated worker within the ministry.
“He was a very hardworking individual who was heavily relied upon in the agricultural sector in the country until his retirement,” he stated.
Mzee Ameir was praised for his community engagement and his unwavering support for President Hassan in carrying out her national duties.
Political parties across the country also sent messages of comfort.
The ruling CCM, through its secretary for ideology, publicity and capacity building in Zanzibar, Mr Khamis Mbeto Khamis, extended condolences to President Hassan, her family, and all Tanzanians.
“It is a huge loss; the party and all citizens extend condolences to Her Excellency President Samia and her family,” said Mr Mbeto.
CUF deputy director of information, publicity and public relations, Mr Ali Makame, described the passing as a loss for all Tanzanians, urging President Hassan to remain patient as death remains God's work.
ACT-Wazalendo, through its secretary for ideology, publicity and public relations, Mr Salim Bimani, said the party received the news with deep sadness and offered sympathies to the bereaved family.
Ordinary citizens also offered their sympathies to President Hassan.
“It is difficult news, but God's work cannot be questioned; the main thing is we pray He gives her strength during this period and afterwards so she does not waver in executing her duties of leading the nation,” said Malindi resident, Ms Habiba Hassan Juma.
