The African Union (AU) has proposed the Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé, to succeed João Lourenço as mediator in the complex conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This proposal emerged during a videoconference meeting of the AU Conference Bureau, held on Saturday, April 5.
A Change of Mediator in a Tense Context
João Lourenço, the Angolan President and outgoing mediator, expressed his desire to step down after two years of efforts, emphasizing the need to ensure the continuity of dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali. He then suggested the name of Faure Gnassingbé, a proposal that received a favorable reception from the bureau members.
A Nomination Pending Validation
Although preliminary consultations with the Togolese President have been positive, his nomination still needs to be formally validated by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, according to the “silence” procedure.
Multiple Mediation Efforts
In parallel, João Lourenço welcomed the progress of the joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), which took place at the end of March. He also mentioned the harmonization of the Nairobi and Luanda processes, as well as the designation of five African co-facilitators, who held their first meeting on April 1.
A Complex Regional Context
This mediation proposal comes in a tense regional context, marked by persistent tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, and the presence of numerous armed groups in eastern DRC. The role of the new mediator will be crucial in attempting to defuse tensions and foster constructive dialogue between the parties.
With RFI
