Husband of Tanzania’s president dies while undergoing treatment for heart condition

The husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan died Monday while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Zanzibar, the country’s vice president said.

Hafidh Ameir Hassan became Tanzania’s first gentleman in 2021, when his wife took office as the country’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli.

Hassan had been receiving treatment for a heart condition.

The husband of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan died Monday while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Zanzibar, the country’s vice president said.AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced Hassan’s death and expressed his condolences to the family.

He said arrangements were being made for his burial in the family’s native Zanzibar, a semiautonomous archipelago that is part of Tanzania.

President Hassan is serving a second term after winning a disputed election in 2025 with more than 97% of the vote.

Candidates from the two main opposition parties were barred from running.

President Hassan is serving a second term after winning a disputed election in 2025 with more than 97% of the vote.Getty Images

President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris deliver remarks to the press at the top of their meeting in her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus on Friday, April 15, 2022, in Washington, DC.Getty Images

The couple had four children: three sons and a daughter who is a lawmaker.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sorrow on behalf of his government and people. “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” he wrote.