The husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hafidh Amer Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who announced Hafidh’s death on Monday, said he had been suffering from a heart condition.
Ndejembi said Hafidh died at 8am local time at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.
Hassan is currently serving a second term after winning a disputed election last year with more than 97 percent of vote.
Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Samia took office in 2021.
In his announcement, Ndejembi said Ameir died at 08;00 local time (6:00 GMT) on Monday. The Vice-President led tributes as he conveyed his condolences to Samia, as well as Ameir’s family and friends.
Kenyan President William Ruto said he receives the news of his passing with “deep sorrow” “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son”, Ruto said.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema also shared his condolences, saying that they “stand side by side” with the first family, and of Tanzania during “this difficult time”.
Similarly, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye paid respects and prayed for Samia and her family to have “comfort and strength in this difficult moment”.
“May God grant eternal rest to the soul of Hafidh Ameir Hassan”, he added.
The First Gentleman rarely appeared in 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. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a politician who currently serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives in the National Assembly.
-9News Nigeria.
