Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband Hafidh Ameir Hassan Dies

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband Hafidh Ameir Hassan Dies

The husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. 

Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death, confirming that Ameir passed away at 08:00 local time on Monday after suffering from a heart condition. Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar. 

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Mr Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Ndejembi said. 

Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Samia assumed office in 2021. The agricultural academic maintained a low public profile and rarely appeared alongside the President during official engagements. 

Regional leaders have continued to send messages of condolence following his death. Kenyan President William Ruto described Ameir as a lifelong companion to President Samia, a beloved father and a distinguished Tanzanian. 

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also conveyed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
“We convey our deepest condolences to Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the passing of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

“We stand side by side with the first family, and all citizens of the United Republic of Tanzania during this difficult time,” President Hichilema said.

Ameir married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978 before she entered national politics. The couple had four children, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.