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Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar, Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced on Monday.
Ameir, 80, died at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital after suffering from a heart condition, according to Ndejembi.
Funeral arrangements are under way in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, the vice-president added.
The agricultural academic largely kept a low public profile throughout his wife’s presidency.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Hassan took office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Ndejembi conveyed his condolences to President Hassan, Ameir’s family and friends.
HAFIDH AMIR HASSAN, husband to Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan dies, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announces. pic.twitter.com/3Tab4o9e8x
— Linus Kaikai (@LinusKaikai) September 7, 2026
Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news with “deep sorrow.”
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto wrote on social media.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye also extended his condolences.
“With profound sorrow, I have learned of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Ndayishimiye wrote on X.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Government and people of Burundi, I extend my deepest condolences to President Samia, her family, and the people of Tanzania.
“In this hour of grief, Burundi stands firmly beside our Tanzanian brothers and sisters. May the Almighty grant President Samia and her family comfort and strength in this difficult moment, and may He grant eternal rest to the soul of Hafidh Ameir Hassan.”
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician who currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.
Ameir rarely appeared in public alongside the president, only occasionally seen with her at official events.
