Qatar, Togo and the U.S. push for peace in the Great Lakes region

Diplomatic efforts are gaining momentum in a bold attempt to end the bloody conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. 

At the heart of this mediation is an unlikely trio—Togo, Qatar, and the United States—working together to de-escalate one of Africa’s most entrenched and volatile crises.

Under the leadership of President of the Council Faure Gnassingbé, Togo has emerged as a key player in this diplomatic drive. Known for its quiet but effective diplomacy in West Africa, Togo is now leveraging its credibility to facilitate talks between Kinshasa and Kigali. 

Mandated by the African Union, Lomé is actively spearheading mediation in a region deeply fractured by decades of ethnic tensions and cross-border hostilities.

Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has been shuttling between Kinshasa, Kigali, and Doha, coordinating efforts at the highest levels to open channels of communication.

Qatar Joins the Push

Qatar, known for its growing footprint in global conflict mediation, has thrown its weight behind the initiative. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Mediation, was recently in Lomé for high-level talks, reinforcing Doha’s commitment to peace in the region.

The United States is backing the process with its multilateral diplomatic muscle and political influence. Washington sees the escalating violence in the Great Lakes as a threat to continental stability and international humanitarian interests.

 The U.S. is particularly concerned about the deteriorating security conditions in eastern Congo and their broader geopolitical impact.

Violence between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group—allegedly backed by Rwanda—has surged, leading to a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

 The UN and multiple NGOs report mass displacement, human rights abuses, and rising insecurity in North Kivu and Ituri. President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC accuses Rwanda of direct interference, while Kigali points to Kinshasa’s alleged cooperation with genocidal groups from 1994.

In this toxic climate, direct talks between the two sides have proven nearly impossible—making the neutral role of mediators like Togo and Qatar even more vital.

A Fragile but Crucial Initiative

The mediation aims to reduce tensions, implement border monitoring mechanisms, and restart discussions on regional security under a broader, inclusive framework. Previous attempts—like those in Nairobi and Luanda—have failed to yield lasting outcomes. 

But the combined involvement of African, Arab, and Western actors signals a new, more balanced approach that could break the deadlock.

Ultimately, peace depends on genuine political will from both sides. In the meantime, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the crisis. 

The international community must rally behind this tripartite mediation, scale up humanitarian aid, and support sustainable peace mechanisms to give this troubled region a chance at recovery.