Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death and said funeral arrangements were being made in Kizimkazi.
Ndejembi said Ameir died at about 8am. He said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Mr Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan.”
Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 after Samia took office following the death of President John Magufuli. Before becoming First Gentleman, he worked in agriculture and academia and largely stayed out of politics.
Samia and Ameir married in 1978 and had four children, three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a member of Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
The family is preparing for Ameir’s burial in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, his family’s native area.
Kenyan President William Ruto and Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye sent condolences. Ruto wrote: “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.” Samia is serving her second term after winning more than 97% of the vote in the disputed 2025 election, in which candidates from Tanzania’s two main opposition parties were barred from running.
