BREAKING: Emir of Kuwait Al-Sabah dies at 91

Etim Ekpimah

The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, has died at the age of 91, according to the royal court.

The emir was viewed as the founder of Kuwait’s modern foreign policy. He was said to have been receiving hospital treatment in the United States since July this after undergoing surgery in Kuwait City.

The minister in charge of royal affairs, Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, announced the death on Tuesday in a televised statement.

He said: “With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn… the death of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait.”

It was observed that the state television had cut its regular programming and switched to a broadcast of Koranic recital before the announcement.

Details are still sketchy as to the nature of the emir’s illness or treatment. Palace is quiet about where the emir died.

The emir, who has ruled the oil-rich Gulf state since 2006, had his appendix removed in 2002, two years after having a pacemaker fitted. In 2007, he underwent urinary tract surgery in the US.

It was gathered that under Kuwaiti law, when the emir is absent, Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, 83, the emir’s half-brother, is acting ruler.

Sheikh Nawaf, an elder statesman, who has held high office for decades including the defence and interior ministries, is now expected to be appointed the new ruler.