TANZANIA PRESIDENT SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN'S HUSBAND DIES WHILE RECEIVING TREATMENT IN ZANZIBAR

The death was officially announced on Monday, September 7, by Tanzania's Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi.

According to the announcement, Ameir died at approximately 8:00 AM at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been undergoing treatment.

Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, the couple's family, relatives, friends and the people of Tanzania.

FUNERAL IN KIZIMKAZI

Funeral arrangements were made for Kizimkazi in Zanzibar, where family members, government officials and members of the public were expected to pay their respects.

News of Ameir's death has prompted condolences from leaders across Africa.

Kenyan President William Ruto described him as President Samia's lifelong companion, a beloved father and a distinguished son of Tanzania.

Leaders from Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Ethiopia and other African countries also expressed their condolences.

WHO WAS HAFIDH AMEIR HASSAN

Unlike his wife, Ameir largely remained outside the political spotlight.

He had a professional background in agriculture and academia and previously worked in Tanzania's agricultural sector.

He reportedly served as a civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture and as a lecturer at Kizimbani Agricultural College.

Ameir became Tanzania's first First Gentleman when Samia Suluhu Hassan became the country's first female president in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.

Despite the historic position, Ameir maintained a relatively private public life and was only occasionally seen accompanying President Samia at official events.

The couple married in 1978 and had four children, three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, later entered politics and serves in Zanzibar's House of Representatives.

Ameir's death has brought messages of sympathy from across Tanzania and the wider African continent as the country mourns alongside President Samia and her family.

VNTV