Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died at the age of 76.
Hassan died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, according to Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi.
Ndejembi announced the death in a statement, expressing condolences to President Samia, the deceased’s family, relatives and the people of Tanzania.
He said funeral arrangements were already underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, where the family is from.
Hafidh became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 when his wife assumed office as the country’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli.
The couple, who married in 1978, had four children — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a Tanzanian lawmaker.
Tributes have begun to pour in from across the region.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed “deep sorrow” over Hafidh’s death, saying President Samia had lost a lifelong companion, while Tanzania had lost a distinguished son.
Other regional leaders, including Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have also expressed condolences to President Samia and the Tanzanian people.
