DODOMA, Tanzania — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken a 90-day leave from office beginning September 7 to mourn the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir.
In a statement dated September 8, Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka said government duties would be handled by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba in accordance with the law.
“Further information will be provided by the relevant authorities as necessary,” Kusiluka said.
The leave follows the death of Ameir, who died on September 7 while receiving treatment in Zanzibar.
Hafidh Ameir dies aged 80
Ameir was born on January 1, 1946, and died at 8.00 am on September 7 while receiving treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
Vice President Ndejembi said the First Gentleman had been receiving treatment for a heart condition.
His death marked a major loss for Tanzania’s first family, with leaders from across the region sending messages of condolence to President Samia and her family.
First Gentleman buried in Zanzibar
Ameir was laid to rest on the same day he died in Kazimkazi, at the family’s home area in the southern part of Zanzibar’s South Unguja region.
The burial brought together family members and mourners as Tanzania bid farewell to the First Gentleman.
Regional leaders also joined Tanzanians in mourning Ameir and extending condolences to the bereaved family.
Ruto mourns Tanzania’s First Gentleman
Among the regional leaders who condoled with Tanzania’s first family was Kenyan President William Ruto.
Ruto joined other leaders in celebrating Ameir’s life and expressing sympathy to President Samia following the death of her husband.
