Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan's Husband Dies

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, passed away while receiving treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar on Monday at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time. Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced that Ameir had been battling a heart condition.

Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar. Ameir, an agricultural academic, was Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.

Despite his wife's prominent political role, he rarely appeared in public with her. Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, her family, and friends.

Kenyan President William Ruto also expressed sorrow, stating that Samia lost “a lifelong companion,” their children lost a beloved father, and Tanzania lost “a distinguished son.” Hafidh Ameir married Samia in 1978 and they had four children, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who is active in politics.