The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani has offered condolences to the Tunisian people on the death of Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi.

“My sincere condolences to the brotherly Tunisian people on the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi. I also share his family’s sorrow, asking God for mercy and paradise,” the Amir said in a tweet.

The Tunisian presidency on Thursday announced the death of Essebsi at the age of 92. 

A leading figure in the country since the “Arab Spring” uprising eight years ago, Essebsi was hospitalised late last month for a week after suffering what authorities described as a severe health crisis.

“On Thursday morning, the President of the Republic died at the military hospital in Tunis...The burial ceremony will be announced later,” a presidency statement said. The prime minister declared seven days of national mourning.

Tunisia’s foreign minister said a state funeral for Essebsi would be held on Saturday and the presidency urged Tunisians to unite and safeguard the nation’s present and future.

Tunisian parliament speaker Mohamed Ennaceur was sworn in as interim president on Thursday.

The next presidential election, hitherto set for November 17, will now be held on September 15, the Independent Electoral Commission said. 

A parliamentary vote is set for October 6.