Tanzania Mourns Death of President Samia’s Husband Hafidh Ameir

GOOBJOOG NEWS | DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania is mourning the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday morning while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced that Hafidh died at about 8 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been undergoing treatment. He conveyed condolences to President Samia, her family and relatives, as well as Tanzanians.

Funeral arrangements were already underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, according to Ndejembi. Kizimkazi is the president’s home area and is expected to be the focus of the immediate burial arrangements.

Hafidh, who was born in Zanzibar, became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021 after the death of John Magufuli.

Unlike many presidential spouses, he generally maintained a low public profile and rarely featured prominently at official state events. Reports describe him as an agriculturalist and academic who spent much of his professional life outside the political spotlight.

His death comes as President Samia remains at the centre of Tanzania’s political life, having taken office in 2021 as the country’s first woman president. Her husband had remained largely outside day-to-day politics while occasionally accompanying her at public and official events.

The vice president’s announcement marked the beginning of a period of mourning for the presidential family, with condolences expected from government officials, political leaders and members of the public.

Tanzanian authorities had not, at the time of the latest reports, announced further details on the funeral programme beyond preparations in Kizimkazi.

Further information on the burial and official mourning arrangements is expected from the Tanzanian government.