Togo’s President appointed as new mediator to Rwanda-DRC peace negotiations
The African Union (AU) has appointed Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the President of Togo, as the new mediator in peace talks aimed at restoring stability in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amid ongoing conflict between the Congolese government and the armed coalition AFC/M23.
This decision was announced following an AU General Assembly resolution passed on Saturday, April 12, 2025, marking a significant step toward resolving long-standing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda has consistently denied.
Gnassingbé replaces Angola’s President João Lourenço, who recently stepped down from the role. As the new mediator, he is tasked with urging the Congolese government to halt its military operations and engage all concerned parties including the AFC/M23 in direct peace negotiations.
One of President Gnassingbé’s main priorities will also be to revive and harmonize stalled peace initiatives previously launched in Nairobi and Luanda.
These initiatives were aimed at stabilizing eastern DRC but failed to reach their goals due to lack of political will and continued fighting on the ground.
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC continue to escalate. While Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting M23 rebels, Rwanda has countered by accusing the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR, a rebel group composed of individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Further fueling concerns, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC recently made provocative statements declaring his intention to overthrow President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and launch heavy military attacks remarks that have been widely criticized as escalating regional tensions.
Observers have warned that unless the Congolese government changes its position and agrees to hold direct talks with the AFC/M23, international peace efforts are unlikely to yield results.
In this context, President Gnassingbé’s role is seen as critical to opening dialogue and promoting a political solution rather than continued warfare.
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