Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso has called for an African-led solution to the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the M23 rebel movement has solidified its presence in North Kivu and is advancing into South Kivu.
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The Congolese leader warned that a regional war remains a possibility but stressed the need for direct dialogue between the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda.
“We can fear a regional war, but I believe African wisdom will help us avoid such an outcome. It is crucial that all parties prioritize dialogue,” Sassou Nguesso stated, referring to the ongoing tensions between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
African Mediators Step In
Mediation efforts have so far been led by Angolan President João Lourenço under the Luanda and Nairobi initiatives. However, as the crisis deepens, Lourenço appears ready to pass the baton to other African leaders. Sassou Nguesso did not rule out taking on a mediation role himself, emphasizing his good relations with both presidents.
“From the beginning, João Lourenço was not alone. Kenyan President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta were also involved. If necessary, other African leaders can step in,” he noted.
The Congolese leader stressed that a lasting solution depends on a direct meeting between Tshisekedi and Kagame. “I don’t see how this crisis can be resolved without the two leaders meeting. The right conditions must be created for this to happen.”
Sanctions Against Rwanda? “Dialogue Is More Important”
The DRC has been calling for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing Kigali of backing the M23 rebels. However, Sassou Nguesso believes such measures could be counterproductive. “Sanctions have not always solved problems. What matters most is establishing real dialogue,” he said.
Avoiding a firm stance on punitive measures against Rwanda, he reiterated that diplomacy should be the priority. “Each party is trying to gain an advantage in this conflict. But for us, the key objective is finding a lasting solution.”
Is the African Union Facing an Existential Crisis?
The African Union (AU) has struggled to resolve conflicts across the continent, raising concerns about its effectiveness. With six member states currently suspended due to military coups or civil wars, the organization is facing one of its biggest challenges.
Sassou Nguesso acknowledged the difficulties but dismissed claims that the AU is in an existential crisis. “Africans have always been able to solve their own problems. What we need is strict adherence to the organization’s principles,” he argued.
He also expressed confidence in the new AU Commission chair, Djiboutian diplomat Mohamed Ali Youssouf, stating that he has the capacity to drive necessary reforms.
Libya: A Stalled Mediation?
Sassou Nguesso has played an active role in seeking a resolution to Libya’s crisis, leading efforts within the AU’s High-Level Committee on Libya. However, a recent reconciliation charter signed in Addis Ababa has yet to be endorsed by key players: Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah, eastern-based Prime Minister Osama Hammad, and military commander Khalifa Haftar.
“This is an important step forward. These leaders may have last-minute reservations, but progress has been made,” he insisted. When asked whether he had been misled, he rejected the notion: “Last-minute incidents can happen, but we are continuing our efforts to ensure all parties sign.”
The much-anticipated Libyan Reconciliation Conference, initially scheduled to take place in Sirte, remains uncertain. “We believe the conference can still happen this year and that elections will follow as a natural result of this process,” he added.
Anti-French Sentiment in Africa
In recent years, anti-French sentiment has grown across Africa, with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger demanding the withdrawal of French military forces. However, Sassou Nguesso dismissed the existence of such sentiment in Congo-Brazzaville.
“Congolese people are not anti-French. They simply want their sovereignty to be respected. There is no room for a paternalistic relationship—only one based on mutual respect,” he concluded.
As the crisis in eastern DRC remains unresolved, African diplomacy continues to push forward. The question now is whether the continent’s leaders can forge a sustainable path to peace or if the region is on the verge of yet another prolonged conflict.
