Kuwaiti’s Emir’s Health Failing, Succession Remains Uncertain

1. Summary: JaFaJ has learned that the Emir of Kuwait, Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, is extremely ill and that his medical team is suspecting that he may pass away soon. Deliberations for succession are already underway within the Kuwaiti Royal Family. The Crown Prince, Sheikh Mashaal, is 82 years old and is not healthier than his older brother, the Emir. Therefore, the family may choose a younger member to serve as the upcoming Emir’s Crown Prince. The most likely candidate is Emir Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.

2. JaFaJ has learned through its intelligence sources that the ruler of Kuwait, Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has fallen ill. The 85-year-old Emir is reportedly suffering from several health problems, including having a “weak heart”. Despite being highly active for his age, the Emir is reported to have become so ill that he is confined to a fully equipped hospital located inside his palace. The hospital was constructed especially for him.

3. Reported to be in the care of some of the best doctors, the medical team has confided to several members of the Emir’s direct family that “he may not make it this time – his health is rapidly deteriorating”.

4. JaFaJ sources reported that the Emir’s ailment has worsened, and the tough questions are now coming into play, especially the question of succession. That’s because the 82-year-old successor, crown prince Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, himself is not in a good health. This has caused the Al-Sabah family to deliberate on whether the next Emir should pick a young Crown Prince, and who should that be. A source close to the Al-Sabah Royal Family has reported to JaFaJ that, “This concept by itself has proven to be a problem because many young royal family members will be competing for the job.”

5. Western intelligence sources have confirmed to JaFaJ that Kuwait’s Emir has previously suggested appointing Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah as Crown Prince in the case of his death and Mishaal’s succession. The sources confirmed that “Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah remains the most likely candidate to join the ruling upper crust if this is ever to happen for any of the younger men of the Kuwaiti Royal Family.”

6. Comment: At 59 years old, Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah is relatively young, agile and globally recognized for his role in sports organizations like FIFA and the Olympic Council of Asia. Ahmed is known to be close to the family’s younger generation, nonetheless, he is also known for his short fuse when opposed. Nonetheless, if appointed Crown Prince after the current Emir passes away, Ahmed might be able to stream new blood into the aged and outdated upper echelon. Nonetheless, such a move may prove to be difficult because many Kuwaiti royals, young and old, see themselves more fit for the job.