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Kuwait names Sheikh Meshal as new emir: All you need to know
The succession was announced by Issa Al-Kandari, deputy prime minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs.
Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah was named the state's emir as a successor to the late Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah who died aged 86, according to the royal court, just over three years after assuming power. 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.
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.
Read more: Kuwait's Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah passes away: Who was he?
Who is Sheikh Meshal and how was he chosen?
Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, has been Kuwait's de facto ruler since 2021. He was handed over most his duties by Sheikh Nawaf himself owing to the latter's ailing health. 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.
Reactions to Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah's death
British prime minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that 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. Rishi Sunak “offered his deepest condolences to the Kuwaiti people and the Al Sabah family on the death of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.”
Emirati president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrote on X that Sheikh Nawaf had been a wise leader who played a major role in strengthening Kuwait-UAE relations.
“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 honorable 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,” he wrote.
