World

Tanzania's First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan Dies After Heart Illness

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar. Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death, stating that Ameir had been battling a heart condition. He passed away at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital and was buried later that evening at his family's home in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar, Tanzania's semi-autonomous island region. Ameir, an academic in the field of agriculture, generally maintained a low public profile. He became Tanzania's first-ever First Gentleman when President Samia assumed office in 2021. Announcing his death, Vice-President Ndejembi extended condolences to President Samia and to Ameir's family and friends. Tributes poured in from regional leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto said he learned of Ameir's passing with "deep sorrow," writing on social media that "President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son." Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema expressed condolences, saying his country stood "side by side" with Tanzania's first family and the nation during this difficult period. Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye also offered condolences, praying for strength and comfort for Samia and her family, and asking that Ameir's soul be granted eternal rest. Ameir rarely appeared in public with the president, being seen alongside her only occasionally at official functions. He married Samia in 1978, prior to her entry into national politics, and the couple had four children together—three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician currently serving in Zanzibar's House of Representatives within the National Assembly.