Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is mourning the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said Ameir died at 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
According to the vice-president, Ameir had been receiving treatment for a heart condition before his death. Funeral arrangements are reportedly underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agricultural academic, maintained a relatively private life and made few public appearances with President Samia. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after his wife assumed office as president in March 2021.
President Samia and Ameir had been married since 1978, before she began her political career. Their marriage produced four children, comprising three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also involved in politics and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Tributes have begun to pour in following the death of the Tanzanian president’s husband, with Kenyan President William Ruto expressing condolences to President Samia and her family.
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,”
The Kenyan president further said: “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” while praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania in a statement issued on Monday.
The AU statement 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.”
It 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.”
