Tanzania female President loses husband
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineTanzanian 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 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar after suffering from a heart condition.
According to the BBC, Ndejembi said funeral arrangements were already underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely maintained a low public profile and was rarely seen accompanying his wife at 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 serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Kenyan President William Ruto was among the first regional leaders to express condolences to Samia and her family.
“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 in a message posted on X on Monday.
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He added, “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”
Ruto also said, “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief.”
He prayed 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 African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also conveyed condolences to Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania in a readout published on the AU website on Monday, September 7.
The AU statement said, “The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, conveys his deepest condolences to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of her husband, H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan.”
It added, “H.E. Mr Youssouf extends his profound sympathy to H.E. President Samia and her family during this difficult period and wishes them strength, courage and solace.”
Youssouf concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
“He prays for the peaceful repose of the departed soul. Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun.”
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