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Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, according to the BBC.
Ndejembi said Ameir had been battling a heart condition and died at about 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
He added that funeral arrangements were being made in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely kept a low public profile and rarely appeared alongside his wife at official events.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia became president in March 2021.
The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to Samia in a message posted on his X account on Monday.
Ruto said: “I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,”
He added, “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,”
Ruto also said: “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,”
He further prayed for the bereaved family.
“May Almighty God comfort President Samia and her family, give them strength through this difficult time, and grant Hafidh Ameir Hassan eternal rest,” he concluded.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania in a readout published on the AU website on Monday, September 7.
AU statement said: “The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, conveys his deepest condolences to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of her husband, H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan.”
It added: “H.E. Mr Youssouf extends his profound sympathy to H.E. President Samia and her family during this difficult period and wishes them strength, courage and solace.”
The AU Chairperson concluded:
“He prays for the peaceful repose of the departed soul. Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun.”
