Qatar is in mourning. The death of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar and Father Emir, marks the disappearance of one of the most influential leaders in the contemporary Arab world. At the head of the Qatari state from 1995 to 2013, he will have profoundly transformed a small Gulf state into a world power of energy, diplomacy and investment.
Beyond its economic and political heritage, Sheikh Hamad also leaves the memory of a leader who has built strong relations with the African continent. Convinced that Africa would be one of the major growth poles of the twenty-first century, he laid the foundation for a lasting partnership that continues to shape relations between Doha and many African capitals today.
A historic meeting with Senegal
Among the milestones of this African diplomacy is his official visit to Senegal in 1999at the invitation of the President Abdou Diouf.
On this occasion, the Senegalese Head of State awarded him the Grand Cross in the National Lion Orderthe highest honour of the Republic of Senegal. This gesture exceeded the simple diplomatic protocol. It reflected the desire of both countries to open a new page of political, economic and cultural cooperation.
The meeting took place at a time when Qatar, which was still not very present on the African scene, sought to diversify its international partnerships. Senegal, recognized for its political stability, diplomatic influence and role in the Francophonie and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, appeared to be a natural partner.
With hindsight, this visit can be seen as one of the milestones of African policy that Doha would gradually deploy over the following decades.
The Builder of Modern Qatar
When Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995, Qatar was still a small state whose economy was essentially based on hydrocarbons.
Within twenty years, it is undergoing a spectacular transformation.
Under its leadership, Qatar becomes the world's leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), develops one of the world's largest airlines with Qatar Airways, creates the Al Jazeera chain, invests heavily in education, research and infrastructure, while making Doha a key player in international mediation.
Its reign also marks the country's openness to the world through a strategy of international investment and economic diplomacy that will make Qatar a sought after partner far beyond the Middle East.
Africa, a strategic partner
Early on, Sheikh Hamad understands that Africa is much more than an emerging market. The continent offers considerable prospects for agriculture, energy, logistics, food security and investment.
This vision will be pursued and amplified by his successor, His Highness Emir Sheikh Tamim ben Hamad Al Thani.
Today, Qatari investments cover sectors as diverse as infrastructure, air transport, telecommunications, financial services, hospitality, mining, agriculture and renewable energy.
Qatar has also established itself as a leading diplomatic partner, supporting mediation initiatives, humanitarian programmes and development projects in several African countries.
A relationship based on mutual respect
Unlike certain powers that favour a logic of geopolitical competition, Doha has gradually developed with many African states an approach focused on dialogue, investment and mutual benefits.
This strategy has enabled it to strengthen its relations with countries as diverse as the Senegal, Rwanda, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Mauritania, Nigeria, Kenya or South Africad.
In several African capitals, Qatar is now seen as a partner able to quickly mobilize funding for structural projects while developing cooperation in the fields of education, health and food security.
A legacy beyond the borders of the Gulf
The influence of Sheikh Hamad is not limited to Qatar's economic performance.
It will have shown that Small state could exert international influence through strategic vision, active diplomacy and targeted investments.
Its legacy is visible in Doha's place today as an international mediation platform, financial centre, global air hub and major player in energy diplomacy.
In Africa, its work has helped to open up a new era of cooperation between the Gulf and the continent, based on long-term economic partnerships.
A tribute to an African partner
The disappearance of Sheikh Hamad ben Khalifa Al Thani comes at a time when relations between Qatar and Africa are experiencing unprecedented intensification.
Investments are increasing, trade is increasing and diplomatic consultations are increasing.
In paying tribute to the former Emir, Africa remembers not only a visionary Head of State, but also a leader who had understood, before many others, that the future of international cooperation would require a closer partnership between the Gulf and the African continent.
The tribute given to him by President Abdou Diouf in 1998 takes on a special resonance today. He already recalled that relations between nations are built as much by symbols as by common projects. Twenty-eight years later, these ties continue to strengthen, reflecting the depth of a relationship that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was one of the leading artisans.
