Tributes pour in as Tanzanian president Suluhu's husband dies

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is mourning the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who passed away on Monday morning while receiving treatment in Zanzibar.

Ameir, who served as Tanzania’s First Gentleman following his wife’s assumption of the presidency in 2021, died at approximately 8am at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death, saying the late First Gentleman had been undergoing treatment for a heart condition.

News of the death has prompted condolences from across the region, including from Kenyan President William Ruto, who conveyed his sympathies to President Samia and her family.

Ruto mourned Ameir as a devoted husband, father and distinguished Tanzanian, saying his passing represented a significant loss to both the family and the country.

The Kenyan president extended his condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, First Lady Rachel Ruto, his family and himself.

“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” Ruto said, praying that God would give President Samia and her family strength during the difficult period and grant Ameir eternal rest.

Ameir largely kept away from the political spotlight throughout his wife’s rise to the highest office in Tanzania. The couple married in 1978 and had four children together.

Their eldest daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has pursued a political career of her own and has served in both the Zanzibar House of Representatives and Tanzania’s National Assembly.

Ameir became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in March 2021 after Samia took over the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.

Samia, who had been serving as Magufuli’s vice-president, was sworn in on March 19, 2021, becoming Tanzania’s first woman president.

She constitutionally assumed office and completed the remainder of Magufuli’s second term.

Her rise to the presidency marked a historic development in Tanzania and established her as one of the most prominent women political leaders in East Africa.

Before becoming president, Samia served as vice-president from 2015 and held several senior political and ministerial positions, including roles in Zanzibar.

Ameir’s death comes as President Samia continues to lead Tanzania and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Vice-President Ndejembi extended condolences to President Samia, her children, relatives and friends, as well as the wider Tanzanian population.