Tanzania's First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan Dies, Buried in Zanzibar

Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, was buried at his home in Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region, Zanzibar, on Monday.

He died at the age of 80 at a hospital while receiving treatment after a heart attack. His burial followed Islamic traditions on the same day he died. Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced Ameir's death, stating he died around 8 AM local time on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. President Samia Suluhu Hassan received a delegation on Tuesday that delivered a message of condolence from Kenyan President William Ruto.

Ruto described Ameir as a lifelong companion for President Samia, a beloved father to her children, and a distinguished son to the country. Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Burundi’s Evariste Ndayishimiye, Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also expressed solidarity. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described Ameir’s death as a difficult period for President Samia and her family.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu wrote on X that Ameir stood quietly beside her, through every season of her service to Tanzania for almost five decades. Hafidh Ameir Hassan was born in Zanzibar in 1946 and married Samia in 1978. He largely remained outside the political spotlight. They had four children, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, a member of Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

Ameir worked as a teacher before becoming an agricultural specialist. His biography, read at the funeral by Deputy Director of State House Communications Shabaan Kisu, stated he was born on January 1, 1946, in Kisakasaka village in West B District, Urban West Region, Unguja. He completed primary education in 1960 and secondary education in 1965.

He graduated from Zanzibar Teachers' College in 1973. Hafidh left behind two widows, four children, and 15 grandchildren. The funeral prayer was led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi. Senior government and religious officials attended, including Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein.