Mourning Samia’s husband unites diplomats, opponents

Dar es Salaam. Political differences have been set aside as Government and opposition leaders, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and people from across Tanzanian society joined President Samia Suluhu Hassan in mourning her husband, Maalim Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

The show of solidarity comes at a sensitive time, following political tensions that emerged after the October 29, 2025 General Election.

Maalim Hafidh died at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar on September 7, 2026.

In a statement issued two days later, President Hassan said she and her family had been touched by messages of condolence and prayers from Tanzania and abroad.

Since his death, the President’s home in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, has received mourners from political parties, Government, diplomatic missions, religious institutions, businesses and other sections of society.

Senior Government officials, including Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba and Chief Secretary Ambassador Moses Kusiluka, have visited the family.

The mourning has also brought together figures from opposing sides of the political divide.

ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu and her delegation visited President Hassan, while former Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe also travelled to Kizimkazi to offer condolences.

Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu, who is facing a treason case, also sent his condolences. While waiting for his case to continue at the High Court in Dar es Salaam last week, he asked his deputy, John Heche, whether the message had been delivered to President Hassan.

“Vice Chairman, have you delivered my condolences... we have lost someone... I sent my condolences to the President at State House after she lost her husband,” Lissu said.

After Mr Heche confirmed that he had delivered the message, Lissu replied: “Fine, thank you if you delivered them.”

Former Arusha Urban MP Godbless Lema later conveyed Lissu’s condolences, saying he believed the opposition leader would have travelled to Zanzibar had circumstances allowed.

Political analysts said the response to the bereavement showed that differences could be put aside during difficult moments.

Prof Makame Ali Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar said Tanzanians had traditionally demonstrated solidarity during periods of hardship.

“The response to the President’s bereavement shows that this national character has not been completely changed by the political challenges and tensions experienced in recent months,” he said.

University of Dar es Salaam political analyst Salbinus David said the events showed there was still room for Tanzanians to address their differences.

“What we are seeing clearly shows that there is a possibility for people to sit down and resolve all political and social differences, continue with life normally and address the impasse facing the country at the moment. The love among us remains intact,” he said.

Dr Onesmo Kyauke said the breadth of the response had brought together people and institutions whose interests would ordinarily place them in different spaces.

The mourning has also attracted foreign leaders and international officials, including Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya.

Other visitors included Mozambique’s First Lady Gueta Selemane Chapo and Sahra Ahmed Hassan, wife of the President of Somalia.

Diplomatic representatives included China’s Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian and Türkiye’s Ambassador Bekir Gezer.

A delegation of Omani ministers also visited, as did World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa Prof Mohamed Janabi.

Religious leaders, business executives and representatives of sporting and entertainment organisations have also joined the mourners.

Among them were CRDB Bank chief executive officer Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela, Amsons Group executive director Edha Nahdi, Apostle Boniface Mwamposa, Pastor Tony Kapola, Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda, Yanga and Simba officials, musician Nasibu Abdul, popularly known as Diamond Platnumz, and members of Mafia Boxing.

The visits have not resolved the political disagreements that followed the 2025 election, analysts said. But the mourning has provided a rare moment in which Tanzanians from different political and social backgrounds have found common ground in grief.