Tanzania's President Loses Husband to Heart Condition

HAFIDH AMEIR HASSAN, the husband of Tanzania's President SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, has died from a heart condition.

Vice-president DEOGRATIUS NDEJEMBI announced that HAFIDH AMEIR HASSAN died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.

NDEJEMBI further announced that funeral arrangements are under way in Kizimkazi village on the country's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

Until his death, the President’s husband was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile, even after President SAMIA took office in 2021.

In his announcement, Ndejembi said Ameir died at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Monday at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

The vice-president led tributes as he conveyed his condolences to Samia, as well as Ameir's family and friends.

Kenyan President WILLIAM RUTO, is among the first African leaders to send their tributes over the death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman, saying he received 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," he wrote on social media.