Tanzanian President Samia’s husband dies

The husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, died Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced.

Ndejembi said Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition and died at 8 a.m. local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

Funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island, he said.

Ndejembi conveyed his condolences to Samia, Ameir’s family and friends following his death.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed condolences to Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.

“My sincere condolences to my sister, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Kagame said.

“The Government and people of Rwanda stand in solidarity with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and our brothers and sisters in Tanzania as they honour the life and legacy of H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” he added.

Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news of Ameir’s death with “deep sorrow.”

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

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also offered his condolences, saying Zambia stands “side by side” with Tanzania’s first family and its people during “this difficult time.”

Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely kept a low public profile and rarely appeared alongside Samia in public. He was occasionally seen with her at official events.

He married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

Samia became Tanzania’s president in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli, making Ameir the country’s first First Gentleman.