Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé has officially been appointed by the African Union (AU) as the new mediator in the ongoing crisis between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, according to the Togolese government’s official portal, republicoftogo.com.
Faure Gnassingbé © Mena Today
Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé has officially been appointed by the African Union (AU) as the new mediator in the ongoing crisis between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, according to the Togolese government’s official portal, republicoftogo.com.
The announcement, made Saturday, marks a significant endorsement of President Gnassingbé’s diplomatic credentials.
He succeeds Angolan President João Lourenço, who previously led the mediation efforts but has now stepped aside. The AU’s decision is seen as recognition of Faure Gnassingbé’s growing reputation as a quiet but effective actor in preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution, particularly in West Africa, where he has been praised for his role in stabilizing several tense political situations.
The conflict between the DRC and Rwanda is rooted in deep-seated historical, ethnic, and geopolitical tensions. At its center is the rebel group M23 (March 23 Movement), primarily composed of Congolese Tutsis.
The group initially rose up in 2012, accusing the Congolese government of violating peace accords. After being defeated in 2013, M23 resurfaced in late 2021, launching a new wave of attacks in the eastern province of North Kivu.
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels with weapons and logistical support—allegations Kigali has repeatedly denied. Rwanda, in turn, accuses Kinshasa of supporting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia hostile to the Rwandan regime.
A Challenging Mediation Mandate
Faure Gnassingbé steps into this volatile landscape at a time when violence is escalating. Eastern Congo has seen renewed fighting, with tens of thousands displaced and growing diplomatic friction between the two neighboring countries.
The Togolese leader will need to reinvigorate stalled negotiations, drawing on previous efforts including the Luanda process (led by Angola) and the Nairobi talks under the East African Community (EAC). A key challenge will be to establish trust and neutrality, and to extract meaningful commitments from both sides to de-escalate tensions.
His task is made more urgent by recent developments: last week, the Congolese government and M23 representatives reportedly held behind-the-scenes talks in Doha, Qatar—their first such direct contact since the rebel group launched a rapid offensive in early 2025, capturing major towns and causing mass displacement.
Togo’s Growing Diplomatic Profile
President Gnassingbé’s appointment is a diplomatic milestone for Togo, positioning the country as a credible and balanced actor in African conflict mediation.
The AU’s trust in the Togolese president reflects broader continental appreciation for his consistent and measured approach to sensitive geopolitical matters.
While the mission is fraught with challenges, a successful mediation could prove pivotal in bringing stability to one of Africa’s most conflict-ridden regions. For President Faure Gnassingbé, it is both an opportunity and a test—one that could shape his legacy as a continental statesman.
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