Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé is taking up the mantle as the African Union’s lead mediator in the volatile conflict between the Congolese armed forces and the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move follows the withdrawal of Angola’s President João Lourenço, who is stepping aside to focus fully on Angola’s leadership role within the AU.

In an official statement, Luanda emphasized the need to redirect national focus: “Angola recognises the need to free itself from the responsibility of mediating this conflict… in order to more comprehensively focus on the general priorities established by the continental organisation.”

Gnassingbé assumes this critical role at a tense moment. Since January 2025, the conflict in eastern DRC has intensified dramatically, with M23 rebels launching a rapid offensive that led to the capture of key cities including Goma and Bukavu in North Kivu province. Despite Angola’s mediation efforts, which previously succeeded in bringing Kinshasa to the negotiating table, talks in Luanda scheduled for mid-March collapsed when the M23 unexpectedly withdrew, following the European Union’s sanctions on some of its leaders.

Adding to the complexity, the African Union’s peace efforts now have to contend with a parallel mediation initiative spearheaded by Qatar. In a surprising diplomatic development, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame engaged in direct talks during a Doha meeting in March — their first since the dramatic rebel advances earlier this year.

Gnassingbé’s appointment signals a renewed push for an African-led resolution to the crisis, even as multiple diplomatic tracks risk fragmenting the mediation process. His ability to unify these efforts and bring conflicting parties back to the table will be crucial in the weeks ahead.