Kuwait’s crown prince, Sheikh Meshal
al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was named the oil-rich nation’s new emir after the demise
of his predecessor Sheikh Nawaf at 86 on Saturday, reported state television.
The cause of his death was not
immediately disclosed but the emir was admitted to hospital late last month due
to an emergency health problem.
“Kuwait’s cabinet names crown prince,
his highness Sheikh Meshal, emir of the State of Kuwait,” the broadcaster said.
The succession was announced by Issa
Al-Kandari, deputy prime minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs in
a statement as per news agency Reuters.
About Sheikh Meshal
Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad
al-Sabah, the 83 years’ old de facto ruler since 2021 of Kuwait, was handed
over duties by Sheikh Nawaf himself owing to the latter’s deteriorating health
condition.
Under Kuwait’s Constitution, the crown
prince automatically becomes emir. He can then assume power after taking an
oath in Parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir.
The new emir’s choice of crown prince
and premier will be watched closely as a younger generation of Kuwait’s ruling
family attempts to secure the position.
Condolence Messages
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he
was saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Nawaf, who was a great friend of
the United Kingdom that would be remembered fondly.
Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin
Zayed wrote on X, “May God have mercy on Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah and cover him with his vast mercy and forgiveness, and sincere
condolences and deep sympathy to the honourable Al-Sabah family and the
brotherly Kuwaiti people in this great affliction. The late great was a wise
leader who played a major role in strengthening UAE-Kuwaiti relations and
supporting joint Gulf action.”
NE Watch Desk
