TANZANIAN PRESIDENT LOSES HUSBAND, HAFIDH AMEIR HASSAN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

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, according to the BBC.

Ndejembi said Ameir had been battling a heart condition and died at 8 a.m. local time on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

He added that funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar.

Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely maintained a low public profile and rarely accompanied his wife to official engagements.

He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021.

The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and had four children — three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and member of Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed condolences to President Samia and the bereaved family in a message posted on his X account on Monday.

Ruto described Ameir as a lifelong companion to the Tanzanian president and a beloved father to their children.

“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Ruto said.

He added: “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”

Ruto assured Tanzania of Kenya’s solidarity during the period of mourning.

“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” he said.

He also prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family, saying, “May Almighty God comfort President Samia and her family, give them strength through this difficult time, and grant Hafidh Ameir Hassan eternal rest.”

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

In a statement published on the AU website on Monday, September 7, Youssouf conveyed his “deepest condolences” to the Tanzanian president and her family following Ameir’s death.

The statement said Youssouf extended his “profound sympathy” to President Samia and her family, wishing them “strength, courage and solace” during the difficult period.

The AU Commission chairperson also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

“Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun,” he concluded.