Earlier today, Saudi King, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques announced a change in the country’s leadership, ousting his nephew, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef replacing him with Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman’s son. 

The Saudi Press Agency shared the news, with a statement from the rulers that the change: “shall be from the sons of the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Faisal Al-Saud and his sons of sons where the most promising of them are chosen to rule.”

Mohammed bin Nayef, the ousted prince, was relieved from his posts and his positions

The 57-year-old was the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia. He was also the chairman of the new Council for Political and Security Affairs.

He will be replaced with King Salman’s 31-year-old son, Mohammed bin Salman, who will become deputy prime minister and crown prince – as well as successor to King Salman. 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been the power behind the Saudi Coalition’s war in Yemen and working to implement a diversification of the economy in Saudi Arabia to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil.

The decree, according to the Saudi news agency, was endorsed by 31 of 34 members of the Allegiance Council

And according to Reuters, the change is amicable. 

Footage televised today showed Mohammed bin Nayef saying: “I am content.”

With Prince Mohammed bin Salman replying: “We will not give up taking your guidance and advice.” 

The change in leadership may mean big changes and stances in the region

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has worked as defence minister and is working to diversify foreign investment, campaigning to sell of part of Saudi’s state-owned Saudi Aramco, oil company. 

He’s known for hardline approach on issues in the region including most recently Qatar, as well as Iran and Yemen. 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to rule Saudi Arabia for decades to come – offering stable leadership within the Kingdom. 

The move to appoint him as successor has seen Saudi’s stock-market up 3.5% today. 

The move could enhance stability in the region; removing the possibility of a power struggle between Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Nayef, as well as a progressive approach to economics in the region.