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African leaders have paid tribute to Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The agricultural academic, who became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after his wife took office in 2021, died at 08:00 local time from a heart condition, Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced.
Tributes poured in from across the continent, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressing “profound sorrow” at the news.
“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.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye said his country “stands firmly beside our Tanzanian brothers and sisters” in this hour of grief.
“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,” he said.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame offered his “sincere condolences to my sister, President Samia, her family, and the people of Tanzania.”
Kagame added that Rwanda stands in solidarity with Tanzania “as they honour the life and legacy” of the First Gentleman.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia stands with Tanzania in this time of grief, while Senegalese President Macky Sall sent his “heartfelt condolences” to “my sister, President Samia, her family, and the people of Tanzania at this painful time.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also conveyed his “profound sympathy to H.E. President Samia and her family during this difficult period.”
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina described the loss as “irreparable,” extending his “deepest and most heartfelt condolences” to the president and her family.
Ameir married Hassan in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children together. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, 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. Funeral arrangements are under way in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.
