Tanzania is mourning the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the country’s First Gentleman, who died on Monday morning while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.
The death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said Ameir died at around 8am at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment. Ndejembi extended condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania, as funeral arrangements got underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
The death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across Tanzania and the wider East African region, with Kenyan President William Ruto among regional leaders who have publicly mourned the late First Gentleman.In a message shared on social media, Ruto said the death was not only a personal loss to President Samia and her family but also a loss to Tanzania.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said.
President Ruto has said that Kenya stands with its East African neighbour during the period of mourning while conveying condolences on behalf of the Kenyan government and its people.
“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” Ruto said, while praying for strength and comfort for President Samia and her family.
Ameir had largely maintained a private life despite being married to one of East Africa’s most prominent political leaders. An agriculturalist and academic by profession, he rarely appeared in the political spotlight even as his wife rose through Tanzania’s political ranks before eventually becoming the country’s first female president in 2021.
His wife’s ascent to the presidency following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli in March 2021 also made Ameir Tanzania’s first First Gentleman, marking a historic change in a position that had previously been occupied by the wives of male presidents.
Ameir and President Samia married in 1978 and had four children, including their daughter Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who has also pursued a career in politics. Despite the increased public attention that came with his wife’s presidency, Ameir remained largely outside active political affairs and maintained a considerably lower public profile throughout his time as First Gentleman.
His death represents a deeply personal loss for President Samia, who has led Tanzania since 2021, while also marking a moment of national mourning for a country whose First Gentleman largely chose to remain away from the public and political spotlight.
