DODOMA, Tanzania — President Samia Suluhu Hassan has welcomed a new member into her family after formally adopting an infant who was rescued in central Tanzania. The baby, named Grace Samia Suluhu, was presented to the president at the State House in Chamwino, Dodoma, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, following completion of the country’s adoption procedures.
Rescued Infant’s Background
Grace was abandoned by her mother on January 17, 2026, in the Nzega District of Tanzania, near Kasulu Guest House in Ngega town. Local residents alerted authorities, prompting the deployment of police officers who rescued the infant and rushed her to a hospital for medical care.
Efforts to trace the mother were unsuccessful, and the case received wide media attention. President Suluhu expressed her interest in adopting the baby, culminating in today’s formal handover.
President’s Message on Child Abandonment
Addressing the public during the presentation, President Suluhu called on mothers to refrain from abandoning their children, urging them to instead surrender infants to legal authorities or children’s homes.
“Wanaotupa watoto hawajui wanalolifanya. Kuliko kumtupa mtoto ni afadhali ukamkabidhi katika mamlaka za kisheria au kituo cha kulelea watoto. Kila mtoto aliyezaliwa ni hazina, na hatuijui kesho yake.”
This translates to:
“Those dumping children don’t know what they are doing. It is better to surrender the babies to local authorities or to a children’s home as every child has a future.”
Personal Life and Family
Born in Zanzibar, President Suluhu comes from a humble background. She completed her secondary education in 1977 and married Hafidh Ameir, an agriculturalist, in 1978. The couple has four biological children, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who was appointed Deputy Minister for Education in November 2025.
Her son-in-law, Mohamed Mchengerwa, serves as Minister for Health, a move that has prompted public discussions about nepotism in government appointments.
At 66 years old, President Suluhu’s decision to adopt Grace reinforces her commitment to children’s welfare, while also shining a spotlight on the challenges of child abandonment in Tanzania.
Looking Ahead
The adoption highlights ongoing social issues in Tanzania, particularly regarding abandoned infants and the importance of legal and safe adoption procedures. By welcoming Grace into her family, President Suluhu hopes to inspire families and authorities to prioritize children’s welfare and provide safe avenues for care.
