Hafidh Ameir Hassan, an agricultural academic and the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, passed away on Monday morning while receiving medical treatment on the island of Zanzibar.
He died at 8:00 a.m. local time (06:00 GMT) at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital following a period of illness linked to a heart condition.
The official announcement of his death was made by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who expressed condolences to President Samia, her family, and friends. Funeral arrangements are currently taking place in Kizimkazi, a village located on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.
Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when President Samia assumed the presidency in 2021. Throughout her presidency, he maintained a low public profile, making only occasional appearances alongside her at official public functions.
The couple married in 1978, years before President Samia began her national political career, and raised four children—three sons and one daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, followed her mother into public service and currently serves as a politician in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.
Leaders from across the region offered tributes following the news. Kenyan President William Ruto shared his condolences on social media, expressing “deep sorrow” over the loss.
”President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto wrote.
