President Samia takes 90-day leave after husband Hafidh Ameir's death

Tanzania’s president has stepped away from official duties for 90 days to mourn Hafidh Ameir Hassan, with the Vice President and Prime Minister expected to oversee government business during her absence.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken a 90-day leave from office following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, placing the country’s executive administration under a temporary arrangement that allows government business to continue while the president mourns.

The leave began on September 7, the same day Hafidh Ameir died while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka said in a statement dated September 8 that government duties would be handled by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba in accordance with the law.

The announcement makes the period of mourning a matter of both personal grief and constitutional administration, as Tanzania temporarily relies on its established mechanisms for continuity of executive functions.

What happens to Tanzania's government while Samia is away?

Tanzania's constitutional framework provides for the Vice President to perform the duties and functions of the presidency when the president is out of office or out of the country.

The Constitution also provides a line of succession in circumstances where the president is absent: the Vice President is first in line to discharge presidential duties, followed by the Speaker of the National Assembly and, where necessary, the Chief Justice.

This means President Samia's 90-day leave does not create a presidential vacancy. Instead, the constitutional system provides a mechanism through which the functions of the presidency can continue while she is away.

The arrangement is therefore different from a permanent transfer of power.

The Vice President assumes responsibility for presidential functions during the president's absence, while the Prime Minister continues to perform the duties assigned to that office within Tanzania's executive structure.

A sudden change at the top of Tanzania's executive

The development comes only weeks after Deogratius Ndejembi became Vice President.

Ndejembi was nominated to replace Emmanuel Nchimbi, who resigned from the vice-presidency in August and was subsequently expelled from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.

That makes the current transition particularly significant: Tanzania is placing a recently installed Vice President at the centre of executive continuity during a period when the president has temporarily stepped away.

The change also comes against the backdrop of political tensions following Tanzania's 2025 general election, which saw President Samia secure a second term amid criticism over the exclusion of major opposition candidates and the government's handling of protests.

Who was Hafidh Ameir Hassan?

Hafidh Ameir Hassan became Tanzania's First Gentleman in 2021 when Samia became the country's first female president following the death of President John Magufuli.

Unlike many political spouses, he largely maintained a low public profile.

Ameir was an agricultural academic and spent much of his professional life outside the political spotlight. He married Samia in 1978 and the couple had four children. His death was announced by Vice President Ndejembi on September 7.

He died at about 8am while receiving treatment for a heart condition.

He was buried later the same day in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, the family's home area. Religious, political and government leaders attended the funeral.

Regional leaders rally behind President Samia

The death has triggered messages of condolence from across East Africa.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sympathy to President Samia, her family and the Tanzanian people, describing Ameir as a lifelong companion to the president and a father to their children.

Other regional leaders have also conveyed condolences following the death of Tanzania's First Gentleman.

The regional response reflects the importance of Tanzania's leadership within East Africa, particularly at a time when the country remains an influential player in regional trade, diplomacy and political affairs.

What the 90-day leave means for Tanzania

The immediate priority is continuity.

Government institutions are expected to continue operating while the president observes the mourning period. The constitutional provisions governing presidential absence are designed precisely to prevent an interruption in executive authority.

The key question over the coming weeks will therefore not be whether Tanzania has a functioning government, but how the temporary division of responsibilities between the Vice President, Prime Minister and other senior officials will work in practice.

The period could also bring greater public attention to Vice President Ndejembi as he carries presidential responsibilities during Samia's absence.

For President Samia, however, the 90-day leave marks a rare moment when the country's political calendar has been overtaken by a deeply personal loss.

Hafidh Ameir's death has temporarily changed not only the life of Tanzania's First Family but also the rhythm of the country's presidency.

President Samia is expected to remain away from official duties during the 90-day mourning period that began on September 7.

In the meantime, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba will oversee government business under the constitutional and administrative framework announced by the Chief Secretary.

Further guidance from Tanzania's authorities will determine how major presidential engagements and other official duties are handled during the mourning period.

About the Author

Eugene Stephen Were, popularly known as Steve O’clock, is a Kenyan journalist, digital media specialist and multimedia storyteller. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media from Murang’a University of Technology, with expertise in news reporting, environmental journalism, digital content, photography, videography and film production. Contact & Social Media: Phone: +24795699374 | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhhxUAYmk/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_oclock__mwenyewe | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oclockcityc.e.o?_r=1&_t=ZS-98czWCBnRxg