Samia Suluhu Hassan Biography

Samia Suluhu Hassan Biography Age, Career, Politics, Family and More

Samia Suluhu Hassan, born on January 27, 1960, is a prominent Tanzanian politician affiliated with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to occupy this esteemed position. Her inauguration took place on March 19, 2021, following the unfortunate passing of the previous president, John Magufuli, on March 17. Prior to her presidency, Samia Suluhu Hassan served as the Vice-President of Tanzania from 2015 to 2021.

Her ascent to the presidency occurred after the untimely demise of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Hailing from Zanzibar, she made her mark by fulfilling ministerial roles within the semi-autonomous region during President Amani Karume’s tenure. Her political journey continued as she assumed the role of Member of Parliament for the Makunduchi constituency from 2010 to 2015.

During this period, she also served as the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office for Union Affairs. In 2014, she achieved another milestone by being elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, tasked with the vital responsibility of drafting a new constitution for the country.

Early life and education

Samia Suluhu Hassan was born on January 27, 1960, in the Sultanate of Zanzibar to a teacher and his wife. Shortly after her birth, she entered into matrimony with Hafidh Ameir, an agriculturalist. Their union was blessed with three sons and one daughter.

Following her secondary education completion in 1977, she embarked on a journey of over three decades, assuming various roles that included working with the World Food Programme and the Zanzibar government, all the while pursuing her own education. Of note, her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, born in 1982, the second child of the couple, ventured into a political career and became a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.

Throughout her career, Samia Suluhu Hassan garnered several certificates and diplomas, including a postgraduate diploma in economics from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom in 1994, as well as a master’s degree in community economic development in 2005, achieved through a collaborative program between the Open University of Tanzania and Southern New Hampshire University in the United States.

Samia Suluhu Hassan Husband Pic

Samia Suluhu Hassan Daughter Pic

Political ascent Career

Samia Suluhu Hassan, a long-standing member of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), embarked on her political journey by being elected as a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives. Her political debut was accompanied by an appointment to a ministerial role. She subsequently secured re-election in 2005 and was entrusted with yet another ministerial portfolio. In the year 2010, Suluhu ventured into national politics by seeking election to the National Assembly, where she stood in the parliamentary constituency of Makunduchi and achieved an impressive victory with over 80% of the vote. Her dedication and capabilities caught the attention of President Jakaya Kikwete, who appointed her as the Minister of State for Union Affairs. During her tenure in the National Assembly, she was also appointed as the Minister of State for Union Affairs.

Vice president

Samia Suluhu Hassan’s political prominence reached new heights when she was chosen as the running mate of the CCM presidential candidate, John Magufuli, in the October 2015 election. Her selection as the running mate made history as she became the first female to hold this position in the party’s history. Their collective efforts resulted in victory, and Samia Suluhu Hassan was inaugurated as the Vice President of Tanzania on November 5. Suluhu and Magufuli ran as a team in the October 2020 election and secured another term in office. While their partnership proved successful, a dispute between Magufuli and Suluhu emerged in 2016, raising questions about her loyalty. However, Suluhu promptly addressed these concerns by publicly expressing her support for Magufuli.

Presidency

Upon assuming the presidency, Samia Suluhu Hassan swiftly addressed the challenges and missteps of the preceding administration regarding COVID-19. Her government took proactive measures, recommending social distancing and the wearing of masks in public. Additionally, mandatory 14-day quarantines were imposed for travelers entering Tanzania from countries with cases of newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants. President Hassan also made a departure from some of her predecessor’s more repressive policies.

She lifted bans on print and broadcast media and revoked a policy that had barred pregnant girls from attending school. Her commitment extended to ensuring that flagship development projects initiated by Magufuli were completed according to the established timelines. On the regional front, she focused on improving relations with other East African nations. In an effort to promote tourism and attract potential investors to Tanzania, President Suluhu Hassan collaborated with journalist and filmmaker Peter Greenberg in early 2021 to create the documentary, “The Royal Tour.”

Honors, awards, and recognition

Honors

Awards

• 2022: Africa Road Builders – Babacar Ndiaye Trophy
• 2022: CARE International– CARE Impact Award for Women’s Inspirational Leadership
• 2023: Key to the City of Lilongwe.

Honorary academic awards

Filmography

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