Qatar’s interests push mediation role deeper into EA
Outspoken Rwandan government critic Paul Rusesabagina who was recently freed from prison. Doha may profit from his release by boosting Qatar’s expanding diplomatic influence in the region and beyond. PHOTO | COURTESY
Qatar is making a big diplomatic push in East Africa as it seeks to expand its economic interests in the region in the aftermath of the Gulf crisis in 2017, which saw Doha face a blockade by several of its Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Last week on Monday, Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwandan opposition figure, arrived in Qatar after his 25-year jail term was commuted by President Paul Kagame. He had served 938 days in prison for terrorism-related charges.
