Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah died on Saturday (December 16th) at the age of 86, the Royal Court announced, after a three-year term marked by repeated political conflicts at the helm of the oil-rich Gulf country.
"With great sadness, we mourn the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait," said a statement broadcast on state television, which had earlier interrupted its programmes and broadcast verses from the Koran.
See alsoSick of its "democracy", Kuwait tries to get out of the stalemate
In November, Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to hospital "due to an urgent health problem", according to the official KUNA news agency, which did not give details of his illness. He was later declared in stable condition. Given his age, his health was often a concern during his tenure.
Crisis between the executive and legislative branches
Sheikh Nawaf was appointed crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and took over as emir upon his death in September 2020 at the age of 91.
Kuwait, an oil-rich Gulf state, has been plunged into a deep crisis between the executive and legislative branches for several years that has undermined hopes for reform.
The current crown prince, Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the emir's half-brother, is 83 years old, and the question now is whether the royal family will choose a younger ruler.
Kuwait, a conservative country where sovereign power remains concentrated in the hands of the ruling Al-Sabah family, is nevertheless home to the most active and powerful parliament in the Gulf.
With AFP
This week's recapFrance 24 invites you to look back on the news that marked the week
Subscribe now
Take international news with you wherever you go! Download the France 24 app