Nation Faces Transition after Three Years of Leadership Under Late Emir

In a somber announcement on Saturday, the royal court of Kuwait confirmed the passing of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the age of 86. The royal court released a statement expressing profound sorrow, stating, "With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn... the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait," which was broadcast on Kuwaiti state television.

The news of the Emir's demise prompted the interruption of regular programming on state television, replaced by a broadcast of Quranic recitals, reflecting the nation's mourning. The late Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah had been in power for three years, ascending to the throne in September 2020 following the death of his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In November, Sheikh Nawaf was hospitalized for what was described as an emergency health problem, as reported by the official KUNA news agency. Although the agency did not provide details about his illness, he was later declared to be in stable condition.

Before his tenure as Emir, Sheikh Nawaf had served as Kuwait's crown prince since 2006, a position he held under the late Sheikh Sabah's appointment. His service to Kuwait spanned over 50 years, during which he held various significant positions. From 1994 to 2003, Sheikh Nawaf served as the deputy chief of the Kuwaiti National Guard. In 2003, he assumed the roles of Minister of Interior and the first Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait.

Under Kuwait's constitutional traditions, succession to the emir and crown prince positions is limited to the descendants of Mubarak al-Sabah. As the nation mourns the passing of Sheikh Nawaf, attention turns to the official announcement of his successor. Currently, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah holds the position of Crown Prince of Kuwait, and the nation awaits official confirmation of the succession plan in the coming days.