Photo: archive, BGNES
Kuwait’s ruling emir, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, has died at the age of 86, world news agencies reported, citing the country’s state television. Just before making the announcement, Kuwaiti television included verses from the Koran in its program.
In late November, the Emir of Kuwait was hospitalized for an unspecified illness. Since then, the small, oil-rich country has been waiting for news of his health.
Earlier, Kuwaiti state media reported that in March 2021, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah traveled to the United States for medical examinations.
The health of Kuwaiti leaders remains a sensitive issue in the Middle Eastern country bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which has seen internal power struggles behind the royal palace doors.
Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah was sworn in as Emir in 2020 following the death of his predecessor Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who was known for his diplomatic skills to achieve and maintain peace and whose loss was felt throughout the Middle East region. east, recalls the Associated Press.
Agence France-Presse recalls that the previous emir of Kuwait died at the age of 91.
The current crown prince is 83-year-old Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, half-brother of the late monarch. His advanced age has already raised the question of whether the Emir family will ultimately prefer a younger person to sit on the throne, AFP notes.
Reuters points out that under Kuwait’s constitution, the crown prince automatically becomes an emir, but takes power only after being sworn in by parliament. The new emir of the country ally of the United States has one year to name his successor to the throne.
Kuwait is a conservative country where power remains concentrated in the hands of the ruling dynasty, AFP also notes. However, the oil-rich country also boasts the most active and influential parliament in the Persian Gulf.
For several years, Kuwait has been mired in a deep executive-legislative crisis that has undermined hopes for reform.
(BTA)
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2023-12-16 13:00:00
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