Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.

The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said Ameir died at about 8 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

Ndejembi said Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition. He added that funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.

Ameir, an agricultural academic, maintained a largely private life and rarely appeared alongside the President at official engagements.

He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed office as President in March 2021.

The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered politics, and had four children—three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

Ruto Mourns

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed condolences to President Samia and her family in a message shared on X on Monday.

Ruto described Ameir’s death as the loss of a lifelong companion for President Samia, a beloved father to their children and a distinguished son of Tanzania.

“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” Ruto said, while praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.

AU Extends Condolences

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also extended condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.

In a statement published on the AU website on Monday, Youssouf expressed his “deepest condolences” over Ameir’s passing and wished the President and her family strength, courage and solace during the difficult period.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, concluding with the Islamic expression, “Inalillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”