The African Union has nominated Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe to mediate peace talks between the DRC, Rwanda, and M23 rebels. The M23 has withdrawn from Walikale to support peace, amid ongoing accusations that Rwanda supports them, which Rwanda denies.

The African Union (AU) Chairperson, Joao Lourenco, has nominated Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe to mediate peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and the M23 rebels. The nomination is pending approval by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Lourenco highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, stressing its impact on regional stability.

Once approved, President Gnassingbe will work with a panel of five facilitators, including former presidents from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.

In related news, the M23 rebel group has withdrawn from the town of Walikale in North Kivu province as part of efforts to support peace initiatives. However, the DRC and others accuse Rwanda of backing the rebels, which Rwanda denies.