Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was announced on Monday by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said Ameir died at 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.
Ndejembi said Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition, adding that funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
An agricultural academic, Ameir largely maintained a low public profile and rarely accompanied his wife to official events. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed office as president in March 2021.
The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered politics, and had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Kenyan President William Ruto and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf have expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
Ruto described Ameir as a lifelong companion to President Samia and a beloved father, while Youssouf prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and offered the AU’s condolences to the bereaved family.