Togo: DRC-Rwanda crisis: Qatar supports mediation for peace
Togo continues to strengthen its diplomatic role in Africa, particularly in mediating the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Following recent support from the United Nations, Qatar has now expressed its backing for Lomé’s mediation efforts.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulafi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working closely with Togo. The announcement followed a meeting in Lomé with the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
During the meeting, the Qatari diplomat praised the efforts already undertaken by President Gnassingbé in his role as the African Union-appointed mediator in the crisis between Kigali and Kinshasa. “We value and commend the work His Excellency the President is doing as a mediator in this conflict. We wish to deepen our collaboration with Togo to help facilitate dialogue between the two countries and reach a lasting solution as soon as possible”, he stated.
Qatar’s support aligns with its ongoing diplomatic engagement in the Great Lakes region. In mid-March, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted a tripartite meeting in Doha with Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Antoine Tshisekedi of the DRC, signaling a strong commitment to peace in this often-troubled area.
This renewed Qatari endorsement reinforces Togo’s position as a key player in African diplomacy, actively contributing to conflict prevention and resolution. President Faure Gnassingbé, widely recognized for his dialogue-driven approach, now benefits from significant international support in advancing negotiations between the two nations, with the hope of achieving a swift and sustainable resolution.
