Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition at a hospital in Zanzibar, officials said.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death of the country’s First Gentleman, who passed away at 8 a.m. local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.
Funeral arrangements were under way in Kizimkazi, a village on the island of Zanzibar, Ndejembi said.
Ameir, an agricultural academic who largely stayed out of the public spotlight, became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when his wife assumed the presidency in March 2021. The couple married in 1978 and had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Kenyan President William Ruto offered condolences in a message posted on X.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Ruto said.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” he added. “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief.”
Ruto concluded: “May Almighty God comfort President Samia and her family, give them strength through this difficult time, and grant Hafidh Ameir Hassan eternal rest.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also expressed condolences.
“The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, conveys his deepest condolences to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of her husband, H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” an AU statement said.
Youssouf extended “profound sympathy” and prayed for “the peaceful repose of the departed soul.”
