Kuwait's Emir dies at 86, Sheikh Meshal named successor
KUWAIT CITY, December 16, 2023
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah died on Saturday, aged 86, according to the royal court, just over three years after assuming power in the US-allied Gulf oil producer. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah, 83 was named as Sheikh Nawaf's successor.
According to the Kuwait News Agency, the emir was admitted to hospital late last month due to an emergency health problem but said that he was in a stable condition.
The Kuwait's Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, chaired an extraordinary cabinet meeting following the passing away of His Highness the Emir, mourned the late Emir and paid tribute to his achievements.
"With great sorrow, the Council of Ministers expresses deep condolences with the passing away of our father, leader of our march His Highness the Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away following a journey of dedication and loyalty to his nation and its people," His Highness the Prime Minister said in a sombre tone.
The Council of Ministers recalled sacrifices of the deceased during his life for the sake of the development of the nation in all fields and in the services of the country and people.
Kuwait announced 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of official departments.
Kuwait, holder of the world's seventh-largest oil reserves, borders Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and lies across the Gulf from Iran. It was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990, sparking the first Gulf war several months later in 1991 when the US and other nations defeated Iraq and liberated Kuwait.
Since he took over in 2020, Sheikh Nawaf maintained a foreign policy that balanced ties with those neighbours, whilst domestically eight governments were formed under his rule, reported Reuters.
Under Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince automatically becomes emir but assumes power only after taking an oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir.
World leaders paid tribute to Sheikh Nawaf and offered their condolences to his successor, Sheikh Meshal, the Al Sabah family and the people of Kuwait.
US President Joe Biden in a statement described Sheikh Nawaf as a "valued partner and true friend of the United States", and pledged to "continue to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and Kuwait as we pursue that future together."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement on social media platform X that he was saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Nawaf, who he described as a great friend of the United Kingdom who would be remembered fondly.
Analysts and diplomats say that Sheikh Nawaf and his crown prince Sheikh Meshal both appeared to align Kuwait more closely with regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia.
The Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman too announced a three-day mourning nationwide over the emir’s death.
The Saudi Royal Court in a statement today said King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, offered condolences on the death of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf.
They also conveyed sympathy and condolences to Al-Sabah family, the people of Kuwait, and the Arab and Islamic nations for the loss of Sheikh Nawaf, who dedicated his life to achievement and giving.
Bahrain, which is marking its 52nd National Day, too has announced a three-day mourning, reported BNA. The mourning comes into effect today (December 16), and flags will be flown at half mast until Monday.
Following today’s announcement, the decision has been made to postpone this evening’s National Day fireworks, said a statement from the Royal Court.
The fireworks will now take place on Friday December 22 and more details will be announced in due course.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has mourned the passing away of Sheikh Nawaf and has directed the UAE government to observe a three-day state mourning with the flag flown at half-mast at all official departments, embassies, and UAE's diplomatic missions outside the country.
