Tanzania President Samia Hassan loses husband

The husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.

Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced Ameir’s death, saying he passed away at 8:00am local time (6:00am GMT) on Monday at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

Ndejembi said the former First Gentleman had been battling a heart condition before his death, adding that funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Zanzibar’s semi-autonomous island.

Ameir, an agricultural academic, maintained a low public profile throughout his wife’s political career and rarely appeared at official events.

He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed office in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the region, with Kenyan President William Ruto expressing sadness over Ameir’s passing.

“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said in a tribute shared on social media.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also extended condolences to Tanzania’s first family, saying his country stood with them during the difficult period.

Ameir married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also involved in politics and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives and Tanzania’s National Assembly.

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