Not to be left behind in business expansion plans, Qatar the gas-rich country and world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, is arming itself to give chase to global powers in expanding the influence over the African continent. Despite the economic boycott by Gulf Arab neighbors on account of its alleged covert support to terrorism, Qatar airlifted 24 armored vehicles to Mali purportedly to combat terrorism and provide security not only in Mali but also in the African Sahel countries, commonly referred as G-5. (The G-5 are Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania.) Admittedly, these countries are facing an increased threat of terrorism from the jihadis and the atrocities let loose by these isolated groups has had a toll on the development tempo of these countries. Only last week, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani called his Somalia counterpart, Omar al-Bashir to lend his support in dealing with anti-government protests, which since then had escalated. African watchers observe that if not contained it would assume menacing proportions. Qatar offered unqualified support for maintaining stability and security of Sudan. Earlier this year, to be precise in April, Qatar provided logistical support to regional state administrations reportedly to take advantage of a fallout between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates. All these developments cannot be attributed to this year. Qatar’s positioning in Africa has been slow and steady. Last year December the Emir of Qatar visited six Africa nations; Senegal, Guinea-Conakry, the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, the Republic of Burkina Faso and the Republic of Ghana. Experts attribute two main reasons for the recent interest of Qatar in Africa. One is to overcome the economic blockaded of its Gulf neighbors and two, to announce its emergence as a key player in the global economic architecture. In both ways, Qatar stands to gain so also its benefactors.
