In a significant development aimed at ending one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts, the African Union (AU) has officially endorsed Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé as the new mediator in the peace process between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group. This announcement comes just days before the first direct negotiations are set to begin between the two parties in Doha, Qatar.
Gnassingbé will take over mediation efforts from Angolan President João Lourenço, who is stepping down from the role to concentrate on his responsibilities as chairperson of the African Union. The leadership transition marks a strategic shift in the AU’s peace-building approach, aimed at accelerating efforts to restore stability to eastern Congo following years of escalating violence.
A Crisis Demanding Urgency
Eastern Congo has been engulfed in conflict for years, but tensions flared dramatically in early 2025 when the M23, a rebel group reportedly backed by Rwanda, launched a sweeping offensive. The militia quickly seized control of several key territories, including Goma and Bukavu—two of the largest cities in the troubled region.
According to humanitarian agencies and local sources, thousands of civilians have been killed since the resurgence of hostilities, while over 800,000 people have been displaced from their homes. Towns have been emptied, schools shut down, and access to basic services severely disrupted.
In a recent statement, outgoing mediator João Lourenço acknowledged the grave humanitarian situation in the region. He emphasized the urgent need to maintain diplomatic momentum, warning that the worsening crisis could spiral into a broader regional conflict if left unchecked.
A New Chapter for Mediation
President Faure Gnassingbé’s appointment is being viewed as a fresh opportunity to revitalize stalled negotiations and bring renewed energy to the peace process. The Togolese leader, known for his low-profile but pragmatic diplomatic style, has previously played roles in mediating regional disputes and is expected to take a hands-on approach in the DRC crisis.
His nomination has been met with cautious optimism by several stakeholders. Regional observers say Gnassingbé’s distance from the Great Lakes conflict zone may grant him the neutrality needed to bridge the trust deficit between the Congolese government and M23 representatives.
While speaking from Lomé shortly after the AU’s endorsement, President Gnassingbé reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful resolution and pledged to prioritize dialogue over division.
M23 Signals Readiness for Peace
In a surprise move widely interpreted as a gesture of goodwill, M23 rebels withdrew from the strategic town of Walikale earlier this week. The group claimed the action was intended to demonstrate sincerity ahead of the peace talks scheduled in Doha.
Although the withdrawal was not verified by independent observers, it was seen by many as a critical de-escalation step in a conflict that has defied multiple ceasefire agreements in the past.
Sources familiar with developments suggest that preliminary informal talks have already taken place between M23 leaders and DRC government officials. These undisclosed meetings are believed to have set the groundwork for the formal discussions now scheduled in the Qatari capital on Wednesday.
Complex Web of Mediators
While the upcoming talks have raised hopes for peace, some analysts are voicing concerns about potential overlap between the AU-led mediation and the parallel facilitation process being hosted in Doha. Questions have been raised over how these mechanisms will be synchronized, particularly given the history of fragmented peace efforts in the region.
“There’s a real risk of duplication or even contradictory outcomes unless both tracks are closely coordinated,” said a Nairobi-based regional security expert. “The AU must ensure that Faure Gnassingbé’s efforts are harmonized with what’s happening in Doha, or we risk yet another failed peace attempt.”
Despite these concerns, officials from both the AU and the Qatari mediation team have reportedly agreed to maintain open channels of communication and cooperate in aligning negotiation frameworks.
External Influence and International Pressure
One of the most contentious issues in the conflict remains the alleged involvement of Rwanda. The United Nations, alongside several Western governments, has repeatedly accused Kigali of supplying arms, intelligence, and even troops to the M23 rebels—allegations Rwanda strongly denies.
Rwanda insists that its interests lie in national security, particularly the suppression of hostile militias operating along its border with eastern Congo. Nonetheless, the accusations have further strained diplomatic relations between Kigali and Kinshasa, as well as between Rwanda and its international partners.
The international community, including the UN, European Union, and United States, has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to engage constructively in dialogue. There is also increasing advocacy for the deployment of more robust peacekeeping or observer missions should negotiations falter.
A Region Holding Its Breath
The coming days are set to be crucial for the Great Lakes region, as attention turns to Doha for the long-anticipated direct talks. With President Faure Gnassingbé now formally stepping into the mediator role, expectations are rising that meaningful progress can be made—though the path ahead remains uncertain and fraught with potential pitfalls.
Peace in eastern Congo is more than a regional imperative—it is a humanitarian necessity. With hundreds of thousands displaced and countless lives disrupted, the urgency to silence the guns has never been greater.
If successful, the Doha talks could represent the most significant breakthrough in the conflict since M23 resurfaced in 2022. But any lasting solution will require commitment from all sides—rebel factions, the Congolese state, neighboring governments, and international actors alike.
As President Gnassingbé prepares to lead this new phase of mediation, the region and the world watch with cautious hope, yearning for a resolution to one of Africa’s most enduring and tragic conflicts.
