Saudi Arabia’s new ruler King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud announced his future successors to the Saudi throne along with new cabinet ministers in his first proclamation since acceding to the throne on 23 January.

He also promised to maintain the policies of his predecessor, his half-brother King Abdullah, who was buried on the same day.

New generation emerges

In a highly significant move, Salman announced the appointment of Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as deputy crown prince.

The appointment makes Prince Mohammed, who is 55, second in line to the throne and effectively smooths the line of succession to the next generation of the descendants of Saudi Arabia’s founder King Abdulaziz al-Saud, often referred to as Ibn Saud.

Crown Prince Mohammed is a grandson of King Abdulaziz. The crown has so far passed only between Ibn Saud’s sons.

Continuity

Salman promised to continue the policies of his predecessor King Abdullah, who died On 23 January weeks after being admitted to hospital with a lung infection. He was buried on the same day in an unmarked grave in Riyadh, following Friday prayers.

“We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment,” Salman said in a speech broadcast on state television on 23 January.

He named another of King Abdullah’s half-brothers, Muqrin, who is 67, as Saudi Arabia’s new crown prince.

King Salman also appointed his own son, Mohammed bin Salman, as defence minister. Other ministers, including foreign, oil and finance, were kept in place, state TV reported.

Protocol permits no official mourning period, government offices stay open and flags remain at full mast.