The husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, has died while receiving medical treatment in Zanzibar.
Hassan passed away at about 8:00 a.m. local time (06:00 GMT) on Monday at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, according to an announcement by Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi.
Ndejembi said the late First Gentleman had been battling a heart condition before his death.
The Vice-President conveyed condolences to President Samia, members of Hassan’s family, friends and the people of Tanzania, while announcing that funeral arrangements were already underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan was an academic with a background in agriculture and maintained a largely private life despite his wife’s prominent political career.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 after Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.
Unlike many spouses of heads of state, Hassan rarely featured prominently in public life. His appearances alongside President Samia were generally limited to occasional official functions and other major events.
Hassan and Samia married in 1978, before she entered national politics. Their marriage produced four children — three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has followed her mother into public service and is a politician serving in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
News of Hassan’s death has prompted condolences from leaders across East and Southern Africa.
Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news with “deep sorrow”, describing Hassan as a lifelong companion to President Samia and a beloved father to their children.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said in a social media tribute.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed solidarity with President Samia and the Tanzanian people, saying his country stood with the First Family during the difficult period.
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye similarly offered his condolences and prayed for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family.
He also prayed for eternal rest for the late Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
The death of the First Gentleman comes as Tanzania mourns a figure who, despite his proximity to the country’s highest office, maintained a relatively low public profile throughout his wife’s political career.
Funeral arrangements are expected to take place in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, where family, friends and mourners are expected to gather to pay their final respects.
Source BBC
