Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband Dies While Receiving Treatment

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving treatment for a heart condition at a hospital in Zanzibar, the country’s vice president said Monday.

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death, saying Ameir died at about 8 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. Funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, according to the vice president.

Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021, when Samia became the country’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli. The title is an informal designation for the husband of a serving female president.

Unlike his wife, who has been a prominent figure in Tanzanian politics for decades, Ameir largely maintained a private life. He was known as an agriculturalist and retired agricultural officer and academic from Zanzibar.

Ameir married Samia in 1978 and the couple had four children, three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Mwanu Hafidh Ameir, has been involved in politics and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

News of his death prompted condolences from leaders across East Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sympathy to President Samia and her family, while Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye also conveyed condolences.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania, describing the death as a loss to the country.

President Samia is currently serving her second term after winning Tanzania’s 2025 presidential election with more than 97% of the vote. The election was controversial, with major opposition candidates barred from contesting.

Ameir’s death marks the loss of a figure who occupied a unique place in Tanzania’s recent political history. His position as the country’s first First Gentleman followed a significant change in the country’s leadership structure when Samia became president.

Further details on the funeral and burial arrangements are expected from Tanzanian authorities as the country begins a period of mourning for the former First Gentleman.