The husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. He was 69.
Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, offering condolences to Hassan and her family.
He said funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, Ameir’s home village on the semi‑autonomous island.
Ameir, an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile, became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 when his wife assumed the presidency following the death of John Magufuli.
Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, is currently serving her second term after winning the 2025 election.
The couple married in 1978 and had four children, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, a member of Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Tributes poured in from across Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto described Ameir as “a lifelong companion” to Hassan and “a distinguished son of Tanzania.”
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema said his country stood “side by side” with Tanzania during “this difficult time.”
JN/APA