Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is mourning the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment in Zanzibar.
Mr Ameir died at 8am at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for a heart condition, according to Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who announced his death on Monday.
“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,” Mr Ndejembi said.
He extended his condolences to President Hassan, her family, relatives and friends, as well as the people of Tanzania.
Funeral arrangements were under way in Kizimkazi, southern Unguja, with the burial scheduled for Monday afternoon. The Citizen later reported that the funeral was scheduled for 4pm.
Regional leaders offer condolences
News of Mr Ameir’s death quickly drew messages of sympathy from across East Africa and beyond.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to President Hassan, describing Mr Ameir as her lifelong companion, a beloved father to their children and a distinguished Tanzanian.
“Kenya stands with Tanzania during the mourning period and prays for comfort and strength for President Hassan and her family,” President Ruto said.
Leaders from Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Zambia and Somalia also sent messages of condolence. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairman of the African Union Commission, expressed sympathy to President Hassan and her family.
Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi also joined those mourning the loss, as tributes were paid to Mr Ameir’s life and contribution to society.
The tributes came as Tanzanians gathered to mourn a man who had largely remained away from the political spotlight.
A life in agriculture
Mr Ameir was known mainly for his work in agriculture and academia. He served as an agricultural officer and later taught at Kizimbani Agricultural College, according to accounts of his professional career.
Kassim Biwi, an elder and former colleague, described him as a specialist in coconut crops and a committed agricultural worker.
“He was a very hardworking individual who was heavily relied upon in the agricultural sector in the country until his retirement,” Mr Biwi said.
Mr Ameir married Ms Hassan in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter. The family’s daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has also pursued a political career in Zanzibar.
Tanzania’s First Gentleman
When Ms Hassan became president in 2021, Mr Ameir became Tanzania’s First Gentleman, the first man to hold the position.
Despite his wife’s rise through Tanzania’s political ranks, he largely maintained a private life and rarely appeared alongside her at official events.
The couple’s daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is involved in politics and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
For President Hassan, the loss comes after nearly five decades of marriage. But on Monday, the focus was on the family and the private grief of a president mourning her husband.
The burial in Kizimkazi was expected to bring together relatives, government officials and members of the public to pay their final respects.
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