** Name a mediator: a new step towards peace in Central Africa? **
On April 5, the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) marked a crucial stage in its quest for lasting stability in Africa by supporting the appointment of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, president of Togo, as a new mediator in the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This choice, emanating from the Angolan president João Lourenço, current president in office of the AU, raises crucial questions on the dynamics of regional peace, as well as on the role of African heads of state as central actors in the resolution of crises on the continent.
### A conflict that drains
At the dawn of this new appointment, it is essential to recall the context of the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been going on for several decades. This chronic tension is essentially fueled by geopolitical, economic and ethnic interests. According to UN data, more than 5 million Congolese have lost their lives since the start of the war in 1997. In addition, the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains alarming: around 5.5 million people are moved, and the recent escalations of violence have exacerbated humanitarian aid, according to reports of 2023.
### The mediation strategy: a model to follow
Faure Gnassingbé’s mediation proposal is more than a simple strategic movement; It is part of a broader trend to strengthen the role of African leaders in regional diplomacy. In this regard, the AU seems to adopt a pragmatic approach in mediation, promoting concertation between neighboring countries. Indeed, the recent convergence of the peace processes of Nairobi and Luanda underlines a paradigm shift: the resolution of crises can no longer be considered only from the external angle, but must rely on African facilitators well anchored in the socio-political tissue of the continent.
The good news is that the latest advances in matters of peace show encouraging signs of dialogue and regional cooperation. For the first time, the facilitators of these two initiatives, mandated by the Development Community of Southern Africa (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), display a desire to work hand in hand, testifying to African solidarity which could become a model of regional governance for the future.
### Afro-centered and participative leadership
It is also important to recognize the role of the personal commitment of African heads of state in this process. Political figures like President Lourenço, having a significant military and diplomatic experience, bring legitimacy and a depth of analysis which are crucial in the mediation of conflicts. This Afro-centered leadership is reinforced by moments of sharing and listening between managers, an aspect often neglected in conflict analyzes.
### to a perennial roadmap
On the operational level, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the president of the AU committee, insisted on the importance of administrative and technical follow -up to give substance to this new mediation. Effective coordination could make it possible to translate diplomatic intentions into concrete and measurable actions, guaranteeing a systematic implementation of the mediation roadmap.
### A repercussions beyond borders
The impact of the appointment of Faure Gnassingbé could also extend beyond the borders of the DRC and Rwanda, inspiring other countries facing similar crises. South Africa, South Sudan and even the Sahel region could benefit from such an approach. The revival of a collective dynamic to resolve conflicts is not only necessary, it is also urgent. With rates of economic growth, access to health and solemn education in several regions, Africa needs sustainable stability to straighten up.
### Conclusion
In short, the appointment of Faure Gnassingbé by the African Union is a significant development that could have training effects on peace efforts on a regional scale. If the international community follows this dynamic with an attentive look, this initiative could become a turning point for the relations between Rwanda and the DRC, while illustrating the potential of an Africa that takes its destiny in hand. The hope of a sustainable resolution of the conflict is thus anchored in a collective desire and an unprecedented collaboration between African leaders.
With the next crucial months, it is imperative to follow this situation carefully, because the issues go far beyond the borders of the DRC and Rwanda, relating to the stability of the entire continent. Africa is underway towards a new era of collective governance and regional diplomacy, and it is time to support this promising dynamic.