Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan Loses Husband

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving medical treatment in Zanzibar.

Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death on Monday, saying Ameir had been battling a heart condition.

According to hin, Ameir died at about 8:00 a.m. local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

He was buried later on Monday evening at his family home in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

Ameir was an agricultural academic who generally stayed away from the public spotlight.

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He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when Samia became president in 2021.

Following the announcement, Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, as well as Ameir’s relatives and friends.

Leaders from across the region also mourned his death.

Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news with deep sadness.

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“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” he wrote on social media.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also sent his condolences to the Tanzanian first family and the people of Tanzania.

Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye joined other regional leaders in expressing sympathy and praying for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family.

“May he [God] grant eternal rest to the soul of Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” he added.

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Ameir was known for maintaining a private life and rarely appeared publicly with his wife. He was occasionally seen accompanying her at official functions.

He married Samia in 1978, years before she began her political career. The couple had four children, including three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, followed her parents into politics and currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

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