ZANZIBAR — Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Mr Ameir died at about 8am local time on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, according to an announcement by Tanzanian Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi.
The Vice-President said Mr Ameir had been battling a heart condition before his death.
Mr Ndejembi conveyed condolences to President Samia, the bereaved family and friends as preparations for the burial got under way in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
Mr Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely kept away from the political spotlight despite his historic position as Tanzania’s first male First Gentleman.
He assumed the role in 2021 after President Samia became Tanzania’s first female president following the death of then-President John Magufuli.
Unlike many spouses of heads of state, Mr Ameir maintained a relatively private life and made limited public appearances alongside his wife.
Mr Ameir and President Samia were married in 1978, several years before she entered national politics.
The couple had four children, three sons and one daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has followed her mother into public service and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Mr Ameir’s death has attracted condolences from leaders across the region.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to President Samia and the family, describing the death as a loss to the Tanzanian leader, her children and the country.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Mr Ruto said in a message of condolence.
Mr Ameir’s position was significant in Tanzania’s political history because he became the first man to serve as spouse of a sitting female president.
Although he remained largely outside politics, his role as First Gentleman placed him in a unique position during President Samia’s tenure.
Funeral arrangements are continuing in Kizimkazi, where relatives, friends and members of the public are expected to gather to pay their respects.