Saudi Arabia and Qatar: Competing Mediators or Complementary Partners in Sudan's Peace Process?

As Sudan's devastating conflict enters its fourth year, two Gulf states have emerged as pivotal diplomatic actors with distinct mediation approaches. Saudi Arabia, through its Jeddah process, has hosted the only negotiations where both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were brought to one table to negotiate substance . Meanwhile, Qatar has leveraged its proven "Doha model" of diplomacy, built on decades of experience mediating the Darfur conflict through the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) . Understanding the Saudi Arabia Qatar Sudan mediation role is essential to assessing pathways toward peace.

What Is Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Mediation Process?

The Jeddah process, launched in May 2023, produced two foundational documents: the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan (May 11, 2023) and the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements (May 20, 2023) . The EU's special representative for the Horn of Africa noted that "Jeddah was the last time where anyone managed to bring basically both parties to one place to negotiate substance" . However, the process has since stalled, with multiple truces reached and breached .

What Is Qatar's Historical Relationship with Sudan?

Qatar's involvement in Sudan dates back to 2003, when Doha hosted negotiations leading to partial reconciliation agreements between the Sudanese government and Darfur rebel groups . The Doha Document for Peace in Darfur was built upon years of consultation with regional actors, tribal leaders, armed movements, civil society, and government representatives . In 2018, Sudan and Qatar established a joint consultative political committee to convene twice yearly, reflecting deep diplomatic ties . Qatar's Constitution commits it to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, structurally anchoring its foreign policy in mediation.

How Does Qatar Combine Diplomacy with Humanitarian Engagement?

Qatar integrates diplomacy with humanitarian action through its charitable arm. Qatar Charity has implemented humanitarian assistance worth approximately QAR 98 million, benefiting more than one million Sudanese affected by the conflict through food, medical care, shelter, and emergency relief . Qatar never attempted to hide its economic incentive in Darfur, and many Sudanese factions and large sections of the public favored Qatar's potential post-war investment . This integration of humanitarian and political engagement distinguishes Qatar's approach.

What Are Saudi Arabia's Strategic Priorities in Sudan?

Saudi Arabia's priorities include ensuring Sudan's stability, implementing a ceasefire, preserving state institutions from collapse, and maintaining Sudan's unity, territorial integrity, and resources . The Kingdom has stressed that "preventing foreign interventions and halting external support through illicit weapons and foreign fighters is urgent and essential to achieving a ceasefire" . Riyadh has also rejected forming a "parallel government" in Sudan, stating that the "founding (Tasis) alliance" threatens Sudan's unity and regional security .

What Is the Quad Mediation Framework?

The Quad comprises Saudi Arabia, the US, Egypt, and the UAE, focusing on negotiating a humanitarian truce and ceasefire . In September 2025, the Quad issued a joint statement calling for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a nine-month transitional political process toward a comprehensive settlement and permanent ceasefire . The framework emphasizes: Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity; no military solution to the conflict; protection of civilians and humanitarian access; and an inclusive transition process led by Sudanese civilians .

How Did Sudan Respond to Mediation Efforts?

In November 2025, Sudan's government announced it is ready to engage in a "serious and responsible" negotiating path, open to any peace initiative that respects Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity . Foreign Minister Mohi El-Din Salem stated that "dialogue is the only way to resolve the Sudanese crisis, on the condition that it remains Sudanese and without external interference" . The RSF also declared it is following international peace efforts with "great interest and appreciation," thanking Quad leaders for their mediation .

How Do Gulf Mediation Efforts Intersect with Regional Competition?

The Horn of Africa remains a key arena of great-power competition amid conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia . Gulf states—Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar—are expanding influence through economic leverage, strategic ports, and mediation diplomacy . Sudan's foreign policy is profoundly influenced by challenging internal and external factors related to the Gulf dispute . Some Sudanese factions and the public favored Qatar's mediation due to its economic incentives, while others aligned with Saudi-led efforts .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did the Jeddah peace process stall?

The process struggled to address a fragmented conflict through predominantly bilateral frameworks while operating within a broader geopolitical environment shaped by competing regional interests. Multiple truces were reached and breached since 2023 .

What is Qatar's mediation model?

Qatar's diplomacy relies less on coercive leverage than on sustained communication, confidence-building, and the ability to maintain open channels with all parties simultaneously. This "Doha model" has been applied in Afghanistan, Chad, and U.S.-Iran negotiations .

How does Saudi Arabia coordinate with international partners on Sudan?

The Kingdom coordinates closely with the EU, US, Egypt, and the Quad to align ceasefire negotiations with political transition planning. Saudi Arabia and the US have been patronizing Jeddah negotiations since May 2023 .

What are the humanitarian implications of the conflict?

Since April 2023, the conflict has killed over 29,600 people and displaced more than 15 million, according to the International Organization for Migration . The UN estimates 10.7 million internally displaced and 2.2 million refugees in neighboring countries .