Staff Reporter
DAR ES SALAAM — Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, announced that Ameir died at 8 a.m. local time on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.
He said the former agricultural academic had been suffering from a heart condition.
Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar, where the family is expected to lay him to rest.
Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when President Samia assumed office in 2021, following the death of then-President John Magufuli.
Despite his position, he maintained a low public profile and was rarely seen accompanying the president at official functions.
The couple married in 1978, before President Samia entered national politics, and had four children: three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician serving in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the region, with Kenyan President William Ruto expressing his condolences to President Samia and her family.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also extended his condolences to the Tanzanian First Family and the people of Tanzania.
Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye similarly sent his sympathies, praying for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family during this difficult period.
Ndejembi conveyed condolences to President Samia, Ameir’s family, and friends following the announcement of his death.
