Kagame sends condolences to Samia Suluhu after husband’s death

President Paul Kagame has expressed his condolences to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

Hafidh, 76, died on Monday morning while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, according to Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi.

In a message posted on X, Kagame described President Samia as his sister and said the Rwandan Government and people stood with her, her family and the people of Tanzania during the period of mourning.

“My sincere condolences to my sister, President Samia Suluhu, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Kagame said.

“The Government and people of Rwanda stand in solidarity with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and our brothers and sisters in Tanzania as they honour the life and legacy of H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan.”

Kagame’s message was among a wave of condolences from African leaders following Hafidh’s death.

Kenyan President William Ruto, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya were also among those who expressed sympathy to President Samia and her family.

Funeral preparations were underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.

Hafidh was an agriculturalist and became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in 2021 when Samia assumed the presidency following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli.

He married Samia in 1978, and the couple had four children—three sons and a daughter.

Despite his wife’s prominent political career, Hafidh largely maintained a private life away from the public spotlight and rarely appeared at official events alongside her.

Kagame’s condolence comes as Rwanda and Tanzania continue to maintain close political, economic and regional ties, with the two countries cooperating in areas including trade, transport, infrastructure, energy and regional integration.