TANZANIA: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has stepped away from duty for 90 days to mourn her husband.
Tanzania’s president began the leave on 7 September after First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan died that morning in Zanzibar. He was 80. He had been treated for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital and passed away at about 8am
He was buried the same day at the family home in Kizimkazi, South Unguja.
Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka said Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba will run government business while she is away. She remains president. This is a mourning leave, not a resignation.
They married in 1978 and had four children. When Samia took office in 2021, Ameir became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman. He stayed mostly out of public view.
Regional leaders, including Kenya’s William Ruto, have sent condolences.