Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is mourning the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who passed away on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
His death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi.
Ndejembi said Hafidh died at about 8:00 a.m. local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been receiving treatment for a heart condition. He added that funeral arrangements were already underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
Hafidh, an agricultural academic, largely maintained a private life and rarely appeared alongside his wife at official engagements.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021. The couple had been married since 1978 and had four children — three sons and a daughter.
The death has prompted condolences from regional and continental leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto described Hafidh as President Samia’s “lifelong companion,” while African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also expressed condolences to the Tanzanian President, her family and the people of Tanzania.