Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, according to the BBC.
Ndejembi said Ameir, who had been battling a heart condition, died at 8am local time on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
He added that funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely stayed out of the public spotlight and rarely accompanied his wife to official engagements.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when Samia assumed office as president in March 2021.
The couple married in 1978, before Samia began her political career, and had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Ruto Condoles with Samia
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to President Samia following the death of her husband.
In a message posted on his X account on Monday, Ruto described Ameir as a lifelong companion to the Tanzanian president and a beloved father to their children.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said.
He added that Kenya stood with Tanzania during the period of mourning and prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
“May Almighty God comfort President Samia and her family, give them strength through this difficult time, and grant Hafidh Ameir Hassan eternal rest,” he said.
African Union Extends Condolences
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
In a statement published on the AU website on Monday, September 7, Youssouf conveyed his “deepest condolences” to the Tanzanian president and her family over the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
He expressed sympathy to the family and wished them strength, courage and solace during the difficult period.
The AU Commission Chairperson also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, concluding with the Islamic expression, “Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
