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Husband of Tanzanian President Samia Laid to Rest in Zanzibar's Kizimkazi

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Husband of Tanzanian President Samia Laid to Rest in Zanzibar's Kizimkazi
Photo: Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi places soil on the grave of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the late husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during his burial in Kizimkazi, Unguja, Zanzibar. PHOTO | COURTESY

Mr Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was buried in Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region, on Monday, September 7, 2026. He is survived by two widows, four children and 15 grandchildren.

The funeral prayer was led by Zanzibar's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi, and was attended by senior government, religious and political figures, including Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.

Deputy Director of State House Communications, Mr Shabaan Kisu, read the deceased's biography, stating that Hafidh was born on January 1, 1946, in Kisakasaka village, West B District, Urban West Region, Unguja. He began his education at Kombeni Shakani School in West B District, completing primary school in 1960, before continuing at Tumekuja Secondary School in Mkunazini, from which he graduated in 1965.

Kisu noted that throughout his life, Hafidh pursued further education and training to build his expertise, particularly in teaching and agriculture. In 1970, he enrolled at the Zanzibar Teachers' College and graduated in 1973, after which he worked as a teacher in various schools across Tanzania.

In 1980, he was chosen to study agriculture at Uyole Agricultural College in Mbeya, which broadened his agricultural knowledge and skills. He later worked as an agriculture instructor at Fidel Castro School in Pemba starting in 1982. In 1986, he traveled to Sri Lanka for further studies, earning a diploma in coconut farming in 1988.

After returning to Zanzibar, he resumed work at the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1990, he pursued a master's degree in agricultural machinery engineering in Britain. Upon completing his studies, he returned to Zanzibar and continued serving at the Ministry of Agriculture until his retirement in 2005. Following retirement, he remained active as a teacher at Kizimbani Agricultural College in Unguja.

Before his death on September 7, 2026, Hafidh had been battling heart disease and received treatment at several hospitals.

Among the other dignitaries present at the funeral were Zanzibar's Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdullah, retired fourth-phase President Jakaya Kikwete, former Zanzibar Presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohammed Shein, and former Zanzibar First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman. Also in attendance were CCM Mainland Vice Chairman Stephen Wasira, CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General Abdi Mahmoud Abdi, and various ministers and deputy ministers from both the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.

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