Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 86, passed away in a tragic moment for Kuwait, leaving a legacy of service to his nation. His replacement, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has been nominated.
Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the heir, who is 83 years old, will succeed Sheikh Nawaf, who ruled for three years. Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Sabah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, revealed the news of Sheikh Nawaf’s passing in a statement that was shown on national television.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed deep sadness and condolences, highlighting the Emir’s commitment to Kuwait’s well-being as well as his ascension into the divine presence. The reason for the death was not disclosed by the authorities, although they did announce a 40-day official mourning period and a three-day closure of government operations.
According to a statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Cabinet Affairs Essa Al-Kandari, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince and his stepbrother, was nominated as the new Emir shortly after Sheikh Nawaf died.
Following the death of Sheikh Nawaf’s stepbrother, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in September 2020 at the age of 91 in the United States, this is another difficult day for Kuwait.
Kuwait University history lecturer Badr Al-Saif underlined the importance of Sheikh Nawaf’s contributions to Kuwait. “His era will be remembered as the third shortest in Kuwaiti history, but his impact is considerable,” he stated.
Sheikh Nawaf held prominent positions for many years before to coming to power. He was formally named as the successor in 2006. He managed Kuwait’s defence efforts against armed organisations as the Minister of Defence during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
Sheikh Nawaf, a member of the venerable Al-Sabah dynasty, was renowned for his modesty and kept a low profile. Citing his broad amnesty policy, prisoner releases, and a ground-breaking dedication to citizenship rights, Al-Saif characterised him as a forgiving leader.
“As a pardoning Emir, he departs. Al-Saif stated, “He has spearheaded the greatest reconciliation in Kuwait’s contemporary history, welcoming all viewpoints into Parliament and removing the government’s influence on the Speaker’s vote, which was vital for people’s opinions and stances.
Kuwait laments the passing of a statesman who devoted his life to the welfare of the country and left a legacy of kindness and compromise.