The Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union has approved the nomination of Togolese president Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, as chief mediator between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
If AU heads of state approve his nomination, Faure’s task will be to end the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the DRC.
The nomination was endorsed by the Assembly of Bureau Members during a virtual meeting to replace João Manuel Lourenço, president of Angola, who is also current chairperson of the AU, according to AU’s statement issued on Saturday.
The statement said the Bureau of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government agreed that President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé’s nomination will be finalised following a decision by the leaders through the silence procedure, as stipulated in the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly.
In his opening remarks, Lourenço underscored the grave and deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, drawing attention to the immense suffering of civilians and its destabilising impact on regional peace.
Lourenço informed about his intention to relinquish his role as mediator due to his expanded responsibilities and commitments as AU Chairperson, while noting the imperative for leadership continuity and momentum in the mediation process.
The chairperson AU commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who attended the meeting, expressed gratitude to President Lourenço for his exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing peace in the region.
He noted the AU Secretariat’s acknowledgment of the proposals and affirmed the need for a detailed roadmap to guide the mediation process moving forward.
The commission will, in due course, circulate the relevant documentation, inclusive of the proposed roadmap and institutional support structures, to facilitate a swift and inclusive endorsement process, Youssouf added.
