ZANZIBAR, Sept. 22 -- MAMA Fatma Karume, the widow of Zanzibars first President, the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, has died at the age of 97.

Mama Fatma died on Monday, September 21, 2026, at her home in Mbweni, Zanzibar.

The announcement of her death was made by Zanzibars Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, who said her funeral will be held today, September 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the family cemetery in Mbweni.

Hemed said Mama Fatmas body will be taken to Zinabar Mosque for prayers before being transported to the family cemetery in Mbweni for burial.

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Mama Fatma Karume was born in 1930 in Bumbwini, in the North Unguja Region....