By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died, a release by the Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi on Monday confirms.
Ndejembi says Ameir, 59 died at 08h00 at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital at Zanzibar, where he received treatment for a heart condition.
“It is with great sadness I inform you of the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of the president of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Ndejembi said.
Condolences have been extended to President Hassan, her family, relatives and friends, as well as Tanzanian as a whole.
Ndejembi says funeral arrangements will start at Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
Other African leaders have paid tribute to the African leader’s loss. Kenya President, William Ruto says he received the news of the death with great sorrow.
“President Samia lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.
“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters for this moment of grief. May almighty God comfort president Samia and her family, give them strength through this difficult time, and grant Hafidh Ameir Hassan eternal rest,” Ruto says.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema also shared his condolences, saying that they “stand side by side” with the first family, and all of Tanzania during “this difficult time”.
The First Gentleman rarely appeared in public alongside the President. He was only occasionally seen with her at official events.
He married Samia in 1978, before she entered national politics. The couple had four children – three sons and a daughter together.
