President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condoled with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
Hafidh, Tanzania’s First Gentleman, died on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. His death was announced by Tanzanian Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi.
In a condolence message personally signed by him, Tinubu described President Samia as his “dear sister and colleague” and expressed sympathy with her, her children and the wider Hassan family over the loss.
The Nigerian president acknowledged the personal significance of the loss, offering prayers and support to the Tanzanian leader as she mourns her husband.
The development has attracted condolences from political leaders across Africa, underscoring Hafidh’s position as the spouse of Tanzania’s head of state and a figure associated with the country’s public life.
Tinubu’s message is also significant against the backdrop of Nigeria and Tanzania’s broader diplomatic relations and their shared engagement within African regional and continental affairs. Expressions of solidarity between African leaders are often viewed as part of the continent’s diplomatic tradition, particularly following the death of a serving leader’s close family member.
