Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is mourning the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Ameir, Tanzania’s First Gentleman, died at about 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, Zanzibar, following a heart-related illness.
The death was announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said funeral arrangements were already being made in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.
Ameir was an agricultural academic who maintained a largely private life and rarely accompanied the president to official functions.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021, following the death of President John Magufuli.
The couple got married in 1978, several years before Samia embarked on her political career. They had four children, comprising three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also involved in politics and serves as a member of Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Tributes have begun to pour in following the announcement of Ameir’s death.
Kenyan President William Ruto, in a condolence message shared on his X account on Monday, described the deceased as a lifelong companion to President Samia and a beloved father.
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.”
The Kenyan president said his country stood with Tanzania during the period of mourning.
“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” he said, while praying for comfort and strength 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,” Ruto added.
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 conveyed his “deepest condolences” to the Tanzanian president and her family over the death of her husband.
The statement said Youssouf extended his “profound sympathy” to President Samia and her family and wished them “strength, courage and solace” during the difficult period.
The AU Commission chairperson also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
“Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun,” the statement concluded.If you want, I can also produce a more dramatic newspaper version with a stronger headline and intro, while keeping it factual and respectful.
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