Kuwait’s Ruling Emir Dies, Leaving Question of Leadership Vacancy
KUWAIT CITY (AP) — The ruling emir of Kuwait, 86-year-old Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, passed away on Saturday after a quiet three-year reign. His low-key approach to governance was focused on attempting to resolve internal political disputes in the small, oil-rich nation.
Kuwait state television interrupted its programming to announce the emir’s death, while a somber official made the public announcement. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
The late emir’s half-brother, 83-year-old Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, is now expected to step into the role of the next ruler, becoming one of the world’s oldest crown princes.
Sheikh Nawaf, who took over the throne following the death of his predecessor in 2020, had previously served as Kuwait’s interior and defense minister. However, his tenure was shrouded in controversy due to accusations that he made controversial decisions during Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Despite this, he later took a low-key approach to governance, which ultimately appealed to some Kuwaitis who moved on from his wartime performance.
During his short reign, Sheikh Nawaf focused on domestic issues and attempted to resolve political disputes while overseeing Kuwait’s struggles with its welfare system. The country’s immense wealth from its oil reserves, but its limited ability to take on debt, presented challenges for the emir in managing the country’s finances.
Kuwait’s freest parliament comparatively allows for dissent. The Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, saw restored ties after years of a boycott of Doha, easing regional tensions.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak offered condolences to the late emir, praising him as a great friend of the U.K. who worked to promote stability in the Middle East.
Kuwait, a staunch U.S. ally since the 1991 Gulf War, hosts thousands of American troops and serves as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.
The passing of Sheikh Nawaf leaves an open question about Kuwait’s leadership as the nation grapples with the loss of its ruler.
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~ Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report ***