The African Union (AU) has proposed Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé as the new mediator in the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, following a request by Angolan President João Lourenço to step down from the role.
The announcement came during a virtual AU Assembly meeting chaired by Lourenço, who cited a desire to focus on broader continental priorities as the reason for relinquishing his mediation duties.
Togo’s President responded favorably to initial consultations, pending formal approval through the AU’s “silence procedure.”
The AU Commission pledged to share necessary documents for the transition, including a roadmap for the mediation process.
Also discussed at the meeting was the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, with Lourenço calling for a united continental response. The AU highlighted the need for strong political engagement to support peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, the recent EAC-SADC Joint Summit appointed five former African leaders—including Olusegun Obasanjo and Uhuru Kenyatta—as facilitators for broader peace efforts in the DRC.
© WAVN