Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan died at about 8:00 a.m. local time (6:00 a.m. GMT) at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, according to an official announcement by Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi.
Ndejembi said the late First Gentleman had been suffering from a heart condition.
He also disclosed that funeral arrangements were already underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Tanzania’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.
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The Vice-President led tributes to the deceased, extending condolences to President Samia, the Hassan family, friends and loved ones.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan was an agricultural academic who largely maintained a private life away from the spotlight. When his wife became Tanzania’s president in 2021, following the death of President John Magufuli, he became the country’s first First Gentleman.
Despite his historic position, Hafidh rarely appeared publicly alongside President Samia and was only occasionally seen accompanying her at official functions.
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Married for decades
Hafidh and Samia were married in 1978, long before she entered national politics.
Their marriage lasted for more than four decades, and the couple had four children — three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, followed her mother into politics and currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
News of Hafidh’s death has attracted condolences from leaders across East and Southern Africa.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his grief over the passing, describing the news as one he received with “deep sorrow.”
Ruto said President Samia had lost “a lifelong companion,” while her children had lost “a beloved father” and Tanzania had lost “a distinguished son.”
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Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also conveyed his condolences to Tanzania’s First Family, saying his country stood “side by side” with them and the people of Tanzania during the difficult period.
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye similarly paid tribute to Hafidh and prayed for President Samia and her family to receive comfort and strength following the loss.
“May he [God] grant eternal rest to the soul of Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Ndayishimiye said.
The death of Hafidh marks a deeply personal loss for President Samia, who has occupied Tanzania’s highest political office since 2021, while also maintaining a relatively private family life.
Funeral arrangements are expected to continue in Kizimkazi, where family, government officials and mourners are expected to gather to pay their final respects to the late First Gentleman.
