Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while being treated in a hospital in Zanzibar.
According to the BBC, Vise President Deogratius Ndejembi formally announced the death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman.
According to Ndejembi, Ameir died on Monday at 8 a.m. local time at Zanzibar’s Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital due to a cardiac problem.
The Vice-President also stated that funeral arrangements were begun in Kizimkazi, a community on Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agricultural academic, maintained a low public profile and rarely appeared with his wife at official events.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia was elected president in March 2021.
The pair married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and they have four children: three sons and one daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician who now serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Kenyan President William Ruto sent his sympathies to Samia in a message posted on his X account on Monday.
Ruto expressed sadness over the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. He added that President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.
Ruto further stated: “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief.”
He then prayed 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.
AU sends condolences
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also extended condolences to Samia, her family, and the Tanzanian people in a statement posted on the AU website on Monday.
AU statement stated: “The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, conveys his deepest condolences to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of her husband, H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan.”
It further stated: “H.E. Mr Youssouf extends his profound sympathy to H.E. President Samia and her family during this difficult period and wishes them strength, courage and solace.”
The AU chairperson concluded:
“He prays for the sweet repose of the departed soul. “Inalahi wainailehi rajiun.“
