Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé has been appointed as the African Union’s new mediator in the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group.
This role marks a significant shift in the AU’s efforts to resolve the crisis, as Gnassingbé replaces Angolan President João Lourenço, who stepped down to focus on Angola’s presidency of the AU.
The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since January 2025, when the M23 launched a rapid offensive, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu in North Kivu province.
Despite previous mediation efforts by Angola, progress has been limited. Talks scheduled in Luanda failed after the M23 withdrew following EU sanctions on some of its leaders.
As the new mediator, Gnassingbé will work towards achieving “sustainable peace, reconciliation, and stability” in the Great Lakes region.
He faces the challenge of coordinating with other mediation efforts, notably those led by Qatar, which recently facilitated direct talks between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Doha.
Gnassingbé will also collaborate with a panel of five former African presidents appointed as facilitators by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).
This team includes former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia.
The appointment of Gnassingbé signals a renewed push by the AU to resolve the conflict. However, the parallel mediation efforts by Qatar and the complex regional dynamics pose significant challenges. Gnassingbé’s diplomatic skills and Togo’s experience in regional mediation will be crucial in navigating these complexities and achieving lasting peace in the region.
Source: Africafeeds.com
