Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan loses husband

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has d!ed.

He died today, September 7, while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Zanzibar, the country’s vice president said.

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi said he had been suffering from a heart condition.

Ndejembi added that funeral arrangements are under way in Kizimkazi, a village on the country’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Samia took office in 2021.

In his announcement, Ndejembi said Ameir d!ed at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Monday at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

He married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children – three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician who currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sorrow on behalf of his government and people. “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” he wrote.

Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye also sent condolences to President Hassan and the people of Tanzania.