Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died after being hospitalised.
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.
Mr Ndejembi said Mr Hassan had been receiving treatment at the hospital due to an unspecified heart condition.
Despite his wife becoming the president of Tanzania in 2021, the deceased was largely out of the public eye.
“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.
During his address, Mr Ndejembi revealed that funeral arrangements for Tanzania’s first-ever First Gentleman were underway in Kizimkazi, a village on the country’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.
Meanwhile, condolence messages have started to pour in from political leaders across Africa.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Kenyan President William Ruto said.
He added, “On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, the First Lady, my family and on my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”
A former President of Senegal, Macky Sall, said he was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, beloved husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
“My heartfelt condolences go to my sister, President Samia, her family, and the people of Tanzania at this painful time. May God grant him eternal peace and give the family strength, comfort and courage during this difficult hour,” Mr Sall said.