The Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, passed away due to colon cancer. He brought democracy to Oman. (Image via CNBC.com)

Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, passed away at 79

Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, passed away on Friday night local time at 79 years old due to the colon cancer he had been suffering from for a long time. The news came from Oman’s state news agency.

Qaboos reigned over Oman for almost 50 years and considered one of the longest-reigning leaders in the Arabian Bay. He took the throne in the 1970 coup d’etat with the support of British power, the former colonizer in Oman. During his reign, Oman got back-ups from Western powers.

His administration saw the Dhofar War, where Qaboos’ administration dispersed the armed rebellion of a communist group in South Yemen. With the help of some countries, Qaboos managed to neutralize the rebellion, protecting his throne.

Qaboos also turned Oman into a democratic country. The direct election makes Oman deliver the female head of states. The former sultan made decisions for Oman and all of its society levels following deliberations.

That is the democratic legacy left by Qaboos for Oman.

Regarding his successor, the deceased had no offspring; there has been no official announcement about the heir of the throne.

The 1996 Act regulated that three days are given to the ruling family to appoint the successor for the empty throne. If the ruling family fails to comply, the military and security council, head of the supreme court, and heads of two councils will appoint someone whose name had been written secretly by the Sultan in a closed letter.

Source: https://bit.ly/30bSgzu