Qatar: African Countries Position Themselves In The Diplomatic Crisis

Accused of supporting terrorism, Qatar was banned by Saudi Arabia and its allies Monday 5 June 2017.

The diplomatic crisis around Qatar has spread to Africa. After the rupture of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic relations with the emirate, several countries of the continent have, in turn, taking a stand.

First Mauritania on Tuesday, then the Comoros on Wednesday broke off diplomatic relations with Doha. Nouakchott accuses Qatar of "  supporting terrorist organizations, propagating extremist ideas and sowing anarchy  ".

Then, the Senegalese government, in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, recalled its ambassador to Qatar. A strong gesture that does not break all links with the Qataris. Dakar said he wanted to consult his diplomat on the follow-up to this crisis.

In the same spirit, Djibouti decided to reduce its diplomatic representation in the emirate. An understandable caution since Qatar is the mediator of the territorial conflict that opposes it to Eritrea.




As for Gabon, the country supports the decision of Saudi Arabia and condemns "  the recurring actions of Qatar in favor of terrorism  ". Libreville urges Doha to comply with international agreements on counter-terrorism.

Finally, in East Africa, Khartoum regrets the decision of the "  five brotherly Arab countries  ". Sudan, like Somalia, calls on the parties to dialogue. The two states are also proposing their assistance for mediation in order to "  protect the interests of Arab countries and peoples  ".