Oman Risk Management Report: Authorities seek to dampen popular criticism, PM and succession speculation

Speaking on 24 July, minister responsible for foreign affairs Yousuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah said there was “no power vacuum” in the sultanate, but the process of appointing a prime minister to support Sultan Qaboos was a “complex issue”. He criticised the rumour mill surrounding succession and other political issues. “Who will you appoint [to become PM]? Someone from the royal family or a tribal leader,” he was quoted saying.