Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Hafidh, an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile, died at about 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar after battling a heart condition.
The Vice-President, Philip Mpango, announced his death and said funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.
Hafidh became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021. Despite his position, he rarely appeared alongside his wife at official events and largely stayed away from the public spotlight.
The couple married in 1978, long before Samia entered national politics, and remained together for decades. They had four children — three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, followed the family’s path into public service and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Hafidh’s death has attracted condolences from leaders across Africa, with Kenyan President William Ruto describing him as President Samia’s “lifelong companion.”
In a message posted on X on Monday, Ruto said President Samia had lost a lifelong companion, while her children had lost a beloved father and Tanzania had lost a distinguished son.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said.
He added that Kenya stood with Tanzania and its people during the period of grief, while praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
In a statement published on the AU website on Monday, September 7, Youssouf extended his sympathy to the president and her family, wishing them strength, courage and solace during the difficult period.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Hafidh’s soul.
“Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun,” the AU Chairperson said.
