Husband of Tanzanian President Samia Hassan dies of heart condition

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died after being hospitalised for an undisclosed heart condition.

Peoples Gazette reports that the country’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, announced his passing in a video broadcast on Monday, stating that Mr Hassan died around 8:00 a.m. at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Mr Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Mr Ndejembi said.

He revealed that funeral arrangements for Tanzania’s first-ever First Gentleman were underway in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar. Despite his wife becoming president in 2021, the deceased was largely out of the public eye.

Condolence messages have since poured in from African leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto said, “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, adding, “May God grant him eternal peace and give the family strength, comfort and courage during this difficult hour.”