Rest well Mzee Ameir

ZANZIBAR: FIRST Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan was laid to rest with full national honours in Kizimkazi, South Unguja yesterday, as hundreds of mourners, including senior government leaders, retired national leaders and ordinary citizens, gathered to bid him a final farewell.

Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi led the burial ceremony, joined by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, senior leaders from the Union and Zanzibar governments, retired national leaders and members of the public.

Early yesterday morning, VP Ndejembi announced Mzee Hafidh’s death. In his public announcement to the media, Mr Ndejembi said the First Gentleman passed away at around 8am yesterday at Emilio Mzena Hospital in Zanzibar after a heartrelated illness.

He was born in 1946. He became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in 2021 when President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office as the country’s first female Head of State.

Mr Ndejembi was the first to place soil on the grave, followed by Dr Mwinyi and Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba.

The deceased’s children and brothers then placed soil on the grave, followed by retired President Jakaya Kikwete, former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, ministers from both governments and other mourners.

The funeral prayers were led by Mufti Sheikh Abubakar bin Zubeir, who prayed for the deceased and comforted the bereaved family.

A life of service According to his biography, Hafidh Ameir Hassan was born in Kisakasaka village in West B District, Unguja, in 1946.

He completed his secondary education at Tumekuja Secondary School in 1965 before joining Nkrumah Teacher Training College in 1970, graduating in 1973 and beginning his career as a teacher.

His career later shifted to agriculture after studying at Uyole Agricultural College in Mbeya, where he graduated in 1982.

He subsequently served as an instructor at Fidel Castro Agricultural School in Pemba, before later becoming an agricultural specialist and instructor at Kizimbani Agricultural Training Institute in Zanzibar.

Throughout his career, he attended professional training programmes in Tanzania and abroad, including Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, focusing on agricultural mechanisation and modern farming techniques.

He retired from public service in 2005 after decades of service in education and agriculture. Mzee Hafidh is survived by two widows, four children and 15 grandchildren.

Leaders console President Samia Tribute continued to pour in from across Africa and within the country, with leaders describing the late as a humble and dedicated public servant.

Kenyan President William Ruto said President Dr Samia had lost “a lifelong companion,” while her children had lost “a beloved father.” “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” he said.

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Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said Zambia stood “side by side with the First Family and all citizens of Tanzania during this difficult time.”

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Uganda, praying for strength and peace for President Dr Samia and the nation.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed solidarity with Dr Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania as they honoured Hafidh’s life and legacy.

Former Kenyan Deputy President Kalonzo Musyoka described the loss as “above all, a family loss,” saying Kenya stood with Tanzania as neighbours bound by history and shared destiny. At home, Zanzibar President Dr Mwinyi called the death “a profound loss for us all.” “We pray that Almighty God grants the late Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan mercy and eternal rest in Jannat al-Firdaus,” he said.

Vice-President Ndejembi said the nation stood in solidarity with President Samia and her family during their time of grief.

“We pray that Almighty God comforts Her Excellency and grants her strength and peace as we lay our elder to rest,” he said.