The husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, has died at the age of 71 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Hassan’s death was announced on Monday by Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who said the late First Gentleman had been suffering from a heart condition.
According to the announcement, Hafidh died at about 8:00 a.m. local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. Funeral arrangements were subsequently announced to be underway in Kizimkazi, a village on the semi-autonomous island.
Hafidh, an agricultural academic, largely maintained a low public profile throughout his wife’s political career. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021, following Samia’s assumption of office as President.
His death has drawn condolences from political leaders across the region. Kenyan President William Ruto, in a tribute, described the news as one he received with “deep sorrow,” expressing sympathy to President Samia, the family and the people of Tanzania.
Hafidh married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. Their marriage was blessed with four children, comprising three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also involved in politics and currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Although Hafidh occasionally accompanied the President to official functions, he generally remained away from the public spotlight, choosing to maintain a private life despite his position as the country’s First Gentleman.
