Hafidh Ameir Hassan kept a low profile and was rarely seen in public with the president

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The husband of Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.

Vice-president Deogratius Ndejembi - who made the official announcement of Ameir's death - said he had been suffering from a heart condition.

He was buried at his family's residence in Kizimkazi, a village on the country's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, on Monday evening.

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Ameir was an agricultural academic who largely kept a low public profile. He became Tanzania's first First Gentleman 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 said 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.

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema also shared his condolences, saying that they "stand side by side" with the first family, and all of Tanzania during "this difficult time".

📰 Source: BBC Africa