Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe has accepted the African Union’s role as mediator in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Togolese foreign ministry announced his appointment on Sunday. Gnassingbe succeeds Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who stepped down from the position last month after his 2022 appointment.
The protracted conflict involves the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which has recently intensified its offensive, seizing significant territory.
Previous attempts to pacify the region have yielded little progress, with numerous ceasefires and truces collapsing.
Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey shared an AU statement confirming Gnassingbe’s new role in mediating between the DRC and Rwanda.
An AU spokesperson verified the statement, highlighting the context of “protracted insecurity” in eastern DRC.
Dussey expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in Gnassingbe, pledging active contributions to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
Gilbert Bawara, a close associate of Gnassingbe, lauded his leadership qualities of listening and discretion.
Despite Angola’s mediation efforts, lasting peace has remained elusive.
However, representatives from the DRC and M23 held talks in Qatar in late March.The presidents of Rwanda and the DRC also convened in Doha.
Gnassingbe’s appointment signals a renewed diplomatic push to resolve the persistent crisis.