Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was announced by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said Ameir died at about 8am at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, her family, relatives and friends, as well as the people of Tanzania.
He also said funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely maintained a low public profile and rarely appeared alongside his wife at official events.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in March 2021 after Samia assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.
The couple married in 1978 and had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed condolences to Samia and her family following Ameir’s death.
Ruto said President Samia had lost a lifelong companion, while her children had lost a beloved father and Tanzania had lost a distinguished son.
“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” Ruto said.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
In a statement issued on Monday, Youssouf conveyed his “deepest condolences” to the Tanzanian president and her family, while praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
Ameir’s death has drawn condolences from leaders across the region as Tanzania mourns its First Gentleman.
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