African leaders mourn Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan
Tanzania Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death, saying the First Gentleman died at about 8am local time.
African leaders have rallied behind Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, with messages of condolence pouring in from across the region.
Hafidh died on Monday morning while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
Tanzania Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death, saying the First Gentleman died at about 8am local time.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Honorable Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Ndejembi said.
The Vice-President conveyed his condolences to President Samia, the family, relatives and friends of the deceased, as well as the people of Tanzania.
Funeral preparations are underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar, where Hafidh is expected to be buried. The Tanzanian government is expected to release further details on the funeral programme and any national mourning arrangements.
Kenyan President William Ruto was among the first regional leaders to send his condolences, saying he received the news with “deep sorrow”.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said.
On behalf of the Kenyan Government and people, Ruto conveyed his condolences to President Samia, her family and the Tanzanian people, saying Kenya stood with Tanzania during the period of mourning.
Rwanda President Paul Kagame also expressed his condolences to President Samia and her family.
“My sincere condolences to my sister, President Samia Suluhu, her family, and the people of Tanzania on the passing of H.E. Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Kagame said.
Kagame said Rwanda stood in solidarity with Tanzania as the country mourned the First Gentleman.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed “profound sorrow” over the death, saying Burundi stood firmly with Tanzania.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also sent condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania, while Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended his sympathies and prayed for Hafidh’s soul.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said his country stood “side by side with the first family” and the people of Tanzania during the difficult period.
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall also mourned Hafidh, describing him as the “beloved husband” of President Samia.
Low-profile First Gentleman
Hafidh’s death marks the passing of a figure who occupied a unique place in Tanzania’s political history but largely stayed away from the public spotlight.
An agricultural academic and retired agricultural officer from Zanzibar, Hafidh maintained a private life even after his wife rose to become one of East Africa’s most prominent political leaders.
He married Samia in 1978, long before she entered the highest levels of government. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Mwanu Hafidh Ameir, followed her mother’s political path and has served in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Hafidh became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in March 2021 when Samia assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.
His wife’s elevation created a historic first in Tanzania, with a man occupying the unofficial First Gentleman role traditionally associated with female spouses of male presidents.
Despite the historic position, Hafidh largely avoided the political limelight. He was rarely seen alongside President Samia at public events and maintained a low public profile throughout her presidency.
His professional career remained largely separate from his wife’s political journey, which took her from government service to the vice presidency and eventually the presidency.
Hafidh’s death brings to an end a nearly five-decade marriage that began before Samia’s rise to national leadership and continued through her historic ascent to Tanzania’s presidency.
