Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death, saying Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition. Ndejembi said Ameir died at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
Funeral arrangements are already reportedly under way in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar. Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely stayed away from public attention. He also became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia became president in 2021. Despite his position, Ameir rarely appeared alongside the president at public events and was only occasionally seen with her during official engagements.
Following the announcement, Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, as well as Ameir’s family and friends. Kenyan President William Ruto also offered his condolences, describing the news as one he received with “deep sorrow”. Furthermore, Ruto said President Samia had lost a lifelong companion, while their children had lost a beloved father.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed sympathy for Tanzania’s first family. Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye also paid tribute to Ameir and prayed for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family.
Ameir married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple has since had four children together, comprising three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also involved in politics and currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.
Ameir’s death marks the loss of a largely private figure who occupied a historic position as Tanzania’s first First Gentleman.
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