President Mnangagwa mourns Tanzania’s First Gentleman
By Staff Reporter
HARARE —President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended condolences to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, describing his passing as a tragedy shared by Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
Hafidh, Tanzania’s First Gentleman, died on Monday while receiving treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. He was reportedly suffering from a heart condition. Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death, saying Hafidh died at 8 am local time. He was buried on Monday evening at his family residence in Kizimkazi, a village on Zanzibar, according to reports.
In a condolence message to President Samia, Mnangagwa expressed “deep shock and profound sadness” over the death and conveyed sympathy on behalf of the Zimbabwean Government and people. “On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I extend to you, Your Excellency, and your family, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences,” Mnangagwa said.
The Zimbabwean President said the country stood in solidarity with Tanzania during the period of mourning, with the thoughts and prayers of Zimbabweans directed towards President Samia, her family and the Tanzanian people. Mnangagwa also paid tribute to Hafidh’s contribution to Tanzania’s development, particularly in agriculture. “As Zimbabwe, we will forever remember the lasting contributions which the First Gentleman made to the development of the United Republic of Tanzania, especially in the field of agriculture,” he said.
Hafidh, an agricultural academic, largely maintained a low public profile during his wife’s political career.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli. The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician who serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Hafidh was rarely seen alongside President Samia at public engagements, making only occasional appearances at official events. News of his death prompted condolences from leaders across the region. Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news with “deep sorrow”, describing Hafidh as a lifelong companion to President Samia, a father and a distinguished Tanzanian.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed solidarity with the Tanzanian First Family and the people of Tanzania during the period of mourning. Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye offered his condolences and prayed for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family. Hafidh’s death comes as Tanzania continues to mourn a figure who, despite his association with the country’s highest office, largely remained outside the political spotlight.
For Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa’s message underscored the longstanding ties between the two countries, which have maintained close relations dating back to the liberation struggles in southern Africa. Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe shared Tanzania’s grief and hoped that President Samia, her family and the Tanzanian people would find comfort during the difficult period. The death of the First Gentleman marks a deeply personal loss for President Samia, who has led Tanzania since 2021 and became the country’s first female president.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan death
Comments