Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has been appointed as the new mediator in the ongoing DRC-Rwanda crisis, the African Union announced on Saturday.

He replaces Angola’s President João Lourenço, who previously led efforts to ease tensions between the two nations.

Gnassingbé’s appointment has sparked criticism from some Togolese civil society groups, who question his domestic governance record.

Despite the backlash, regional leaders hope his leadership will revive dialogue and de-escalate border tensions.