Hafidh Ameir, Tanzania’s first-ever First Gentleman and husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, died Monday while undergoing treatment in Zanzibar, according to Tanzanian authorities.

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death, saying Ameir died at around 8 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated for a heart condition.

“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,” Ndejembi said, extending condolences to the president, the family and the Tanzanian people. Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.

Ameir, an agricultural academic and former agricultural officer from Zanzibar, married Samia in 1978. The couple had four children three sons and a daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who serves in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.

He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in March 2021, when Samia assumed the presidency following the death of John Magufuli a transition that also made her the country’s first female head of state. Unlike his predecessors in the role, all of whom were First Ladies, Ameir kept a low public profile and rarely appeared at official events. Still, his position marked a break from Tanzanian political tradition.

Condolences pour in from the region

Kenyan President William Ruto called Ameir Samia’s “lifelong companion” and “a distinguished son” of Tanzania. Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye also sent condolences, the Associated Press reported. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf offered condolences on behalf of the bloc.

Ameir’s death comes as Samia leads Tanzania into a second term, having won reelection in 2025. She remains one of East Africa’s most prominent political figures. Funeral arrangements are expected to take place in Zanzibar, his home region.