The Emir of Kuwait died at the age of 86. His death was announced this morning on state television. The programs were interrupted and the Qur’an was read. The prince was in hospital for a few weeks. Nothing was said about the cause of death.

National mourning was declared in Kuwait for 40 days. Closing all government buildings for three days.

Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumed power in 2020, after the death of the previous emir, who was also his half-brother. Nawaf was previously Minister of Interior and Deputy Chief of the National Guard.

While his predecessor Sabah was praised as a mediator in the region, Nawaf did little of interest during his three-year rule. It was a short period marked by political turmoil and criticism of the Al-Sabah family by the opposition.

Nawaf succeeds Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber, his 83-year-old half-brother. Mishal previously assumed a large part of the administrative duties in 2021 due to Nawaf’s poor health condition.