Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been thrown into mourning following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
Ameir died on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he was receiving treatment for a heart-related condition.
Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, confirmed the death, stating that the President’s husband passed away at about 8am local time.
Funeral preparations were said to be underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.
Ameir was an agricultural academic who maintained a private life and was rarely seen accompanying the President at official functions.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021.
The couple had been married since 1978, before Samia ventured into national politics. Their union produced four children — three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Ruto, AU send condolences
Kenyan President William Ruto was among those who expressed sympathy to President Samia after the news broke.
In a message posted on X, Ruto said: “I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,”
He added: “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,”
Ruto also said: “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,”
He prayed for comfort and strength for Samia and her family, saying: “May Almighty God comfort President Samia and her family, give them strength through this difficult time, and grant Hafidh Ameir Hassan eternal rest,”
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also offered his condolences to the Tanzanian President, her family and the country.
In a statement released on Monday, the AU said: “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.”
The statement added: “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 peaceful repose of the departed soul. Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun.”
