Zanzibar's first First Lady, Fatma Karume, passed away on September 21, 2026, at an advanced age. Her death was confirmed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who expressed her sadness at the loss. Mama Fatma, as she was affectionately known, was the widow of Zanzibar's first president, Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume. Her life was closely tied to some of the most significant political events in Zanzibar, from the 1964 Revolution to the creation of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Born Fatma Gullam Hussein Jamal in Bumbwini, North Unguja, Mama Fatma married Sheikh Karume in 1944 at the age of 15. She became Zanzibar's first First Lady after the January 12, 1964, Revolution, a position she held until Sheikh Karume was assassinated on April 7, 1972. Mama Fatma was also the mother of former Zanzibar president Amani Abeid Karume and diplomat Ali Abeid Karume. Her connection to Zanzibar's political history extended well beyond her years as First Lady.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan described Mama Fatma as an important figure in the history of Zanzibar and Tanzania. She said Mama Fatma's contribution could not be viewed only through her marriage to Sheikh Karume, but also through her role in keeping the country's history and heritage alive. President Samia extended her condolences to Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, former president Amani Karume, the wider Karume family, and Tanzanians.
Mama Fatma had been experiencing health problems before her death and had been receiving treatment at Lumumba Hospital in Zanzibar. President Samia visited her at the facility on August 11, 2026, during her treatment. Nine days later, on August 20, Minister of State Ridhiwani Kikwete also visited Mama Fatma and conveyed greetings from President Samia.
Despite her advanced age, Mama Fatma maintained a presence in public life and occasionally attended national and historical events. She was also associated with the women's wing of the Afro-Shirazi Party, through which she supported increased involvement of women in Zanzibar's political and social affairs. Her passing removes one of the few people whose personal life stretched across several major stages in Zanzibar's modern history.
Mama Fatma's death has come at a particularly difficult time for President Samia, whose husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, died on September 7, 2026. Hassan passed away at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar while undergoing treatment for a heart condition. His death prompted messages of condolence from leaders and members of the public across Tanzania.
President Samia asked for strength and comfort for those affected by the loss, concluding her message with the words, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un." Details of Mama Fatma's funeral arrangements had not been provided in President Samia's announcement. Her legacy will continue to be remembered and honoured.
Key points
- Zanzibar's first First Lady, Fatma Karume, has died at an advanced age.
- Mama Fatma's life was closely tied to some of the most significant political events in Zanzibar.
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan extended her condolences to the Karume family and Tanzanians.
