Tanzania's First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan Passes Away

Tanzania is in mourning following the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on September 4, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time. He was undergoing treatment for a heart-related illness at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

The announcement was made by Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who noted that Ameir had been battling a heart condition prior to his death. He was buried later that day at his family residence in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, in accordance with Islamic burial rites.

The loss has elicited condolences from various African leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who expressed their sympathies and support for President Samia and the Tanzanian people. Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first-ever First Gentleman in March 2021, led a notably private life, rarely appearing at public events alongside President Samia.