Kuwait’s Rulers: From Sheikh Sabah I to Nawaf Al-Ahmad

According to the Kuwaiti constitution’s Article 4 and the Succession Law’s Article 6, the Emir must be from the lineage of Mubarak Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
According to the Kuwaiti constitution’s Article 4 and the Succession Law’s Article 6, the Emir must be from the lineage of Mubarak Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Kuwait’s Rulers: From Sheikh Sabah I to Nawaf Al-Ahmad

According to the Kuwaiti constitution’s Article 4 and the Succession Law’s Article 6, the Emir must be from the lineage of Mubarak Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
According to the Kuwaiti constitution’s Article 4 and the Succession Law’s Article 6, the Emir must be from the lineage of Mubarak Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)

With the passing of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Kuwait bids farewell to its 16th ruler, marking the end of a 267-year era since the first leader of the Al-Sabah family assumed power in 1756.

The Kuwaiti cabinet Saturday named Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah as Emir, to succeed the late ruler, pursuant to the provisions of the Kuwaiti constitution.

Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber Al Sabah, born at the beginning of the 18th century, was the first ruler of the Al-Sabah family in Kuwait.

He assumed leadership of the Gulf nation following a tribal alliance from 1756 to 1776.

Sheikh Sabah was the inaugural leader of Kuwait, marking the commencement of the political history of the Al Sabah dynasty, which has held the leadership of Kuwait since 1756.

The leadership continued through his descendants, including Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah “the Great” (the seventh ruler, reigning from 1896 to 1915), who is regarded as the true founder of the state.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah, the eleventh ruler of Kuwait, assumed the reins of power on February 25, 1950, until his passing on November 24, 1965.

On June 19, 1961, Kuwait gained its independence from Britain, and Sheikh Abdullah, the man of independence, signed the Declaration of Independence with the British Government Chief Political Resident in the Arabian Gulf, Sir George Middleton, on behalf of the Kuwaiti government.

Sheikh Abdullah, a champion of independence, established the parliamentary system for the state.

During his tenure, the constitution was ratified, and the current constitution was issued after independence on November 11, 1962.

It officially came into effect on January 29, 1963.

Kuwait had issued the first written constitution and established a consultative council in 1921.

The Gulf country formed an elected legislative council in 1938.

The Kuwaiti constitution currently outlines the candidates eligible for the Emirship, adhering to a 1921 document initiated by locals after the country’s ninth ruler.

According to the constitution’s Article 4 and the Succession Law’s Article 6, the Emir must be from the lineage of Mubarak Al-Sabah.

In case of a vacancy, the Crown Prince is declared Emir.

Constitution Article 60 mandates the Emir to swear allegiance to respecting the constitution, safeguarding people’s freedoms, interests, and national independence.



Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
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Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)

Kuwait reiterated its commitment to working with the international community to tackle the growing threat of terrorism, highlighting the importance of strengthening global cooperation in this fight.

Meanwhile, the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Representative warned that the number of deaths from terrorist attacks is on the rise, with the latest Global Terrorism Index showing a 22% increase in fatalities in 2023.

Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, cautioned that conflict zones could become breeding grounds for terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda.

He spoke at the High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” that began in Kuwait on Monday.

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah said: “We expect this phase of the Dushanbe Process to strengthen international efforts aimed at creating a secure and stable future for all.”

“Terrorism knows no borders and does not distinguish between countries or religions,” he noted.

The conference will conclude its work Tuesday, with the adoption of the “Kuwait Declaration” which will reflect the discussions and opinions of the participants and will serve as a guiding document for efforts to combat terrorism.

The Crown Prince urged collective action against terrorism and emphasized the need for unity in facing this challenge. He stressed that terrorism and violent extremism are not linked to any religion, culture, or ethnic group.

He also highlighted the critical role of the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Program and the UN Counter-Terrorism Center in boosting border security, providing member states with the necessary expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate counter-terrorism measures.

This approach is vital for effectively addressing emerging threats at borders.

At the conference's opening session, Voronkov stressed that international cooperation in fighting terrorism should guide all parties toward effective coordination and collaboration to secure their countries and prevent terrorist movements across borders.

Voronkov pointed out that the global security situation is changing, with terrorists exploiting border vulnerabilities. Recent reports show that more than 40% of violent incidents and 10% of deaths from political violence occur within 100 kilometers of land borders.

He specifically noted the growing terrorist presence in coastal West African countries like Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, mentioning that violent incidents in border areas have surged by 250% over the past two years.

He also highlighted that the latest Global Terrorism Index indicates a 22% rise in global terrorism-related deaths in 2023, reaching 8,352—the highest number since 2017.

Voronkov cautioned that the travel routes used by groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda pose significant risks, especially in conflict-affected regions like the Sahel, where they can recruit and move individuals across poorly secured borders.