Qatari Peace Mediation and Humanitarian Aid in Sudan: Lessons From the War in Darfur 2003–2022

The State of Qatar played a substantial role in mediation efforts for the conflict in Darfur through the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Qatar's role as a mediator and a donor in Darfur, framed within the broader context of its emergence as a prominent regional political and humanitarian actor during the time of the conflict. This article also contrasts Qatar's approaches to the war in Sudan with mediation efforts by the African Union and the United Nations, which reveals how Qatar was able to overcome resource constraints to incentivise opposing factions to negotiate. Finally, this article explores differing arguments on Qatari impartiality and effectiveness during the Darfur mediation process. Qatar never attempted to hide its economic incentive in Darfur, and many Sudanese factions and large sections of the Sudanese public favoured Qatar's potential investment post-war Darfur.