Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan Dies at 76

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died at the age of 76 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar. The vice-president, Deogratius Ndejembi, made the official announcement, stating that Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition. Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Samia took office in 2021. He rarely appeared in public alongside the president and was only occasionally seen with her at official events. He married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics, and they had four children together: three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician who currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.

In his announcement, Vice-President Ndejembi said Ameir died at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Monday at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital. Ndejembi led tributes as he conveyed his condolences to President Samia, as well as Ameir’s family and friends. Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news of his passing with “deep sorrow”, writing on social media: “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.” Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema also shared his condolences, saying that they “stand side by side” with the first family, and all of Tanzania during “this difficult time.”

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