The husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, has died aged 77 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Hassan died early on Monday at Mzena Hospital in Zanzibar, where he was being treated for a heart condition, Tanzanian Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi said.
In a video shared on the Tanzanian presidency’s X account, Ndejembi expressed condolences to the president and her family, adding that preparations for the funeral had begun in Kizimkazi in southern Zanzibar.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who largely kept a private life, married Samia in 1978. The couple had four children, including two who have become publicly known.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a member of the Tanzanian Parliament representing a constituency in Zanzibar.
One of their three sons, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, is also known to play a prominent role alongside his mother despite not holding an official title.
Hafidh Hassan had continued to accompany the president on some official engagements. In June, he joined her during a state visit to Russia, while he was received by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda in late August.
Samia became Tanzania’s president in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.
She won re-election last year with 98 per cent of the vote in an election criticised by international observers amid a crackdown on opposition supporters and protests.
The 2025 election was followed by deadly unrest, with Tanzania’s opposition alleging that security forces killed more than 2,000 people.
The government has faced international criticism over its handling of opposition figures and protesters during the election period.