Tanzania has announced a change in how key government responsibilities will be handled after President Samia Suluhu Hassan made a temporary decision.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has begun a 90-day leave of absence starting September 7 following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir.
In a statement issued by the Chief Secretary, Moses Kusiluka announced that Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba will manage executive government duties during the period.
The two leaders will carry out the responsibilities in accordance with Tanzania’s legal provisions governing the exercise of executive functions.
The Chief Secretary said the relevant authorities would provide further information when necessary.
“Further information will be provided by the relevant authorities as necessary,” said the Chief Secretary.
Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband’s Death and Burial
Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the country’s first First Gentleman, died on Monday, September 7, 2026, while receiving treatment in Zanzibar.
Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death in a national address on the same day, saying Ameir died at about 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.
“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 announced.
Ndejembi said Ameir had been receiving treatment for a heart condition at the Zanzibar hospital before his death.
Ameir was 76 years old at the time of his death. He was a retired agricultural academic and agriculture officer from Zanzibar.
He married Samia Suluhu in 1978 and largely stayed out of the political spotlight until she became Tanzania’s president in 2021.
Ameir was buried on September 7 in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, following Islamic funeral rites.
Ndejembi extended condolences to President Samia, the family, and Tanzanians, saying funeral arrangements were being handled in Zanzibar.
Regional leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, also sent condolence messages following his death.
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