Sorrow and sadness overwhelmed Kuwait at the news of the passing of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the age of 86. With a long and illustrious career spanning decades, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf contributed to the development and progress of the country, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered.
History will remember His Highness the Amir through the various posts he held prior to leading the country. Kuwaitis are grateful for his wise and thoughtful leadership. The Amiri Diwan expressed its sorrow over the death of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, sharing this sentiment with both the Arab and Muslim worlds.
His Highness the Amir ascended to power on September 29, 2020, following the death of the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in accordance with the constitution. He became the 16th Amir of the State of Kuwait. The cabinet convened on that day and announced His Highness Sheikh Nawaf, then the Crown Prince, as the Amir of Kuwait, in accordance with the constitution pertaining to the ascension of leadership in Kuwait.
Prior to becoming the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad held numerous posts, including Governor of Hawally, Interior Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG), and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. He was named Crown Prince of Kuwait in 2006, a position he held for 14 years, contributing to the nation’s decision-making process.
On September 30, 2020, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad took the constitutional oath in front of the National Assembly, in accordance with Article 60 of the constitution. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad was born on June 25, 1937, the sixth son of the late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the 10th ruler of Kuwait who reigned between 1921-1950.
Since the independence of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad held several positions. In 1962, he was assigned as the Governor of Hawally by the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. He continued in this position until 1978. In the same year, Sheikh Nawaf was assigned as the Interior Minister during the era of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, holding the post until 1988 when he was appointed as the Minister of Defense.
After the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf was assigned as the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor. He continued in this post until 1992. In 1994, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) until 2003 when he took on the responsibility as the Minister of Interior. Later that year, he became the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, a position he held until becoming the Crown Prince in 2006.
In the last three years, Kuwait has witnessed a quantum leap in its development plans due to the instructions and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad. His efforts have been recognized by countries in the Arab region and the world. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad always stressed the importance of national unity and solidarity to face any hardships and challenges that Kuwait and its people might encounter.
He called on his people to cherish the country’s democracy and traditions, emphasizing that Kuwaitis would be strong and productive through their unity and sacrifice. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad was an influential figure in Kuwait’s history, and his passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by the nation.
As Kuwait mourns the loss of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, his contributions and leadership will continue to shape the future of the country. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and his dedication to Kuwait’s progress will always be cherished.
Source: TimesKuwait