With the tragic passing of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Sudanese people recalled the legacy of an inspiring Arab leader known for wisdom and chivalry. They also recalled a history of positions and actions that granted Qatar a special place in their hearts. The memory of nations is not shaped by statements or interests, but by positions that withstand the test of time. Therefore, Qatar has remained in Sudanese memory, a memory that wars cannot buy, nor can ambiguous positions erase.
That is why the Sudanese government’s declaration of official mourning for the passing of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani came as an official and popular recognition of the stature of a noble leader, whose name has been associated in Sudanese consciousness with peace and development, reflecting the depth of relations built upon steadfast positions.
Perhaps the moment that best expressed this popular sentiment toward Qatar was what we witnessed during our coverage of a public gathering of former President Omar Al-Bashir in late 2018, at the height of the economic and political crisis. While he was listing Arab countries supporting Sudan, Qatar’s name was absent from his speech. Perhaps he was waiting for a more appropriate moment to mention it, but the crowd preceded him with chants: “Qatar… Qatar, O Bashir.” He smiled and responded: “Of course, Qatar.” It was a spontaneous popular referendum on Qatar’s place in Sudanese consciousness, as a country whose name became associated with development, peace, and humanitarian values.
This position was not formed through political courtesy, but through accumulated actions and stances, most notably the visit of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to Sudan to offer condolences on the passing of Field Marshal Abdel Rahman Swar Al-Dahab in 2018. The visit reinforced among Sudanese people the belief that relations between nations are measured by the positions that remain in collective memory.
This relationship was not limited to humanitarian gestures; it was embodied in an extended development partnership. During the era of the Father Emir, Qatar contributed to supporting strategic projects, including Merowe Dam, the heightening of Roseires Dam, and the Upper Atbara and Setit dams complex, in addition to initiatives in education and healthcare. After the outbreak of war, Qatar was among the first countries to provide humanitarian support, exemplified by the visit of the Minister of State for International Cooperation Lolwah Al Khater, whose remarks about the difference between those rooted in history and those who are merely passing through left a deep impact on Sudanese consciousness. Therefore, Qatari support was an investment in Sudan’s future and its people.
From this perspective, Qatar’s presence in Sudan can be understood within a broader concept: development diplomacy, where projects in electricity, water, education, and reconstruction become tools for positive construction and strengthening relations between peoples, rather than merely political positions linked to changing governments and circumstances.
With the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Sudan does not only lose a prominent Arab figure, but bids farewell to one of the leaders who left a clear mark on regional politics over the past decades. During his rule since 1995, Qatar moved from a country with limited influence to an impactful regional player, based on a vision centered on investing in people, building soft power through media, and employing education, culture, and diplomacy as tools to enhance the country’s position.
In Sudan, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa’s name became associated with practical initiatives, most notably sponsoring the Doha Peace Agreement for Darfur in 2011, which represented one of the most significant regional mediation efforts in the Sudanese conflict. Qatari initiatives also extended to areas of development and reconstruction through projects in education, health, heritage, and public services, in addition to the humanitarian role played by Qatari institutions in several parts of Sudan.
The visits of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Missned to Sudan also reflected this approach in 2017, when they were linked to supporting education, restoring the antiquities of the Kerma and Meroe civilizations, and creating employment opportunities for youth. These initiatives embodied a vision that considers development a pathway to stability. Therefore, Qatar’s position in Sudanese consciousness has not been linked only to what it provided, but to the way it presented itself as a partner during times of crisis. Interests change, but sincere positions remain in the memory of peoples.
The condolence messages from Sudanese leadership, represented by President Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris, and Foreign Minister Ambassador Mohieddin Salem, confirmed that the passing of the Father Emir represents the loss of a leader who left a mark on the journey of peace, development, and shared relations. This relationship was not built by governments alone, but strengthened by humanitarian positions that remain alive in the memory of both peoples.
From here, one can understand the spontaneous chant: “Qatar… Qatar,” as it summarized a position shaped by noble actions. In the view of many Sudanese, Qatar’s relationship with Sudan was based on partnership rather than guardianship, and on investment in people and development rather than crises and resources. That is why it has remained present in Sudanese memory.
Here emerges the contrast with another regional model that viewed Sudan’s resources as an opportunity for influence, and whose presence became associated with war and attempts to affect the national decision-making process.
Between those who chose construction and made development their path, and those who used war as a gateway to interests, Sudanese people distinguish between those who contributed to peace and reconstruction and those who contributed to destruction, financing war, and displacing people. Therefore, Qatar’s place in Sudanese consciousness was not the product of propaganda or an exceptional circumstance, but the result of accumulated positions over time. Peoples do not forget those who helped them build, nor do they forgive those who sought to destroy their institutions and impose their will on a nation rich in civilization and history.
May God have mercy on Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He was one of the leaders who sought to make the strength of the state an extension of the strength of its people, and to make politics a space for creating influence rather than merely managing interests. His name will remain associated in Sudan with a phase of relations that went beyond the language of statements to the language of actions.
This is #The_Truth_Perspective.
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Tuesday, 14 July 2026Shglawi55@gmail.com
