Tanzania is mourning Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Ameir, 76, died at about 8am at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment. His death was announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said funeral arrangements were being made in Zanzibar.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Honorable Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Ndejembi said in announcing the death.
The death has triggered an outpouring of messages of condolence from leaders across East Africa and beyond, with several presidents describing Ameir’s death as both a personal loss to President Samia and a loss to Tanzania.
Kenyan President William Ruto said President Samia had lost more than a husband, describing Ameir as her lifelong companion and a father to her children.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said in his condolence message.
Ruto conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Kenyan Government, the people of Kenya, the First Lady, his family and himself, praying for comfort and strength for the Tanzanian President and her 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 said.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame also mourned Ameir, expressing solidarity with President Samia and the people of Tanzania.
“My sincere condolences to my sister, President Samia Suluhu, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Kagame said.
Kagame said Rwanda stood with Tanzania as the country mourned the former First Gentleman, who became the first man to hold the informal First Gentleman role after Samia became President in 2021.
“The government and people of Rwanda stand in solidarity with President Samia and our brothers and sisters in Tanzania as they honour the life and legacy of H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Kagame added.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also sent his condolences to the Tanzanian leader, saying Zambia stood with the First Family during the period of mourning.
“We convey our deepest condolences to Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the passing of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Hichilema said.
“We stand side by side with the first family, and all citizens of the United Republic of Tanzania during this difficult time,” he added.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit described Ameir’s death as a profound loss to President Samia, her family and Tanzania.
“It is with deep sorrow that I received the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, this morning,” Kiir said.
“At this difficult time of grief, my thoughts are with Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, her family, and her loved ones,” he added.
Kiir said the government and people of South Sudan stood with Tanzania as the country mourned.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of the Republic of South Sudan, I convey my deepest condolences to President Suluhu, her family, and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania who are affected by his passing,” he said.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also expressed his condolences to President Samia and the Tanzanian people, saying Ethiopia stood with them during the period of grief.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ethiopia, I extend our deepest condolences to Her Excellency, her family, and the people of Tanzania,” Abiy said.
He added: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with her family and the people of Tanzania during this difficult time.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was also among those who sent messages of condolence to President Samia following the announcement of Ameir’s death.
Retired Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta separately joined regional leaders in mourning Ameir, describing his death as a deeply painful moment for President Samia and her family.
Ameir largely remained outside the political spotlight during his wife’s rise through Tanzania’s political establishment. He became the country’s first First Gentleman in 2021 when Samia succeeded the late President John Magufuli.
The couple married in 1978 and had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is involved in politics and serves in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Media reports from Tanzania said Ameir was remembered not only as the President’s husband but also for his background in agriculture. The Citizen reported that colleagues and elders remembered his contribution to the agricultural sector as preparations were made for his burial in Kizimkazi.
The burial was expected to take place in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, his family’s home area, with Tanzanian authorities and relatives making arrangements for the funeral.
