AU appoints Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé as new mediator in DR Congo Conflict

The African Union (AU) has officially appointed Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo, as the new mediator in efforts to restore peace and resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This decision, made by the AU General Assembly on Saturday, marks a significant step in the search for peace in the DRC, which has been severely affected by the armed conflict between President Félix Tshisekedi’s government and the AFC/M23 coalition.

The AU emphasized that the committee tasked with organizing peace talks will ensure that all stakeholders involved in the eastern Congo crisis are included in the dialogue process.

Gnassingbé replaces Angola’s President João Lourenço, who recently announced his resignation from the mediation role.

One of Gnassingbé’s immediate challenges will be to persuade President Tshisekedi’s government to halt its military offensives against the AFC/M23 coalition and to encourage them to agree to sit at the negotiating table.

The international community is also closely watching Gnassingbé’s ability to bring together President Tshisekedi of DR Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda — a task that proved difficult for his predecessor, João Lourenço.

The Congolese government repeatedly accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, allegations Rwanda firmly denies. In turn, Rwanda accuses Congo of collaborating with the FDLR, a militia composed of individuals who took part in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Tensions have escalated further after President Tshisekedi publicly declared his intention to oust President Kagame and attack Rwanda with heavy weaponry.

President Gnassingbé is also expected to reconcile the Nairobi and Luanda peace initiatives, both of which have stalled due to the DRC government’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Observers hope that under Gnassingbé’s leadership, a clear roadmap will be established to restore security through inclusive dialogue rather than continuing a war that continues to claim many lives.

Many believe that as long as the Tshisekedi government refuses to engage in direct talks with the AFC/M23, international efforts will fall short, as a lasting solution depends on negotiations between the actual parties to the conflict.