King Abdullah replaces Saudi interior minister

06 November 2012

Late Prince Nayef’s son Mohammed takes over interior ministry with immediate effect

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has replaced Interior Minister Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz al-Saud after less than five months in the role.

Prince Ahmed, a half-brother of the king, will be replaced by Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the son of former Crown Prince and Interior Minister Prince Nayef, who died in June.

According to a statement issued by the government news agency, King Abdullah “issued a royal order today [5 November], relieving Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz of his post upon his request”. The royal order was effective immediately.

Both Prince Ahmed and Prince Mohammed have a long history at the Interior Ministry, although Prince Mohammed is regarded as having been more active in the running of the ministry as his father’s portfolio expanded.

In the years running up to his death, Prince Nayef had been taking on greater responsibility within the Saudi government. As Second Deputy Prime Minister since 2009, he had become de facto head of state during periods when both King Abdullah and then Crown Prince Sultan were unavailable for health reasons.

Prince Mohammed is credited with spearheading a successful counter-terrorism operation against Al-Qaeda militants in the country. This led to an assassination attempt in November 2009 by a suicide bomber linked to the terrorist organisation.

Around the same time, he was also appointed a member of the supreme economic council, expanding his influence into areas of economic policy.

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