The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has attracted increasing international involvement, with Russia signaling its readiness to act as a mediator between the warring parties.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists this week that Moscow is prepared to help resolve tensions between the DR Congo government and the AFC/M23 rebel group, amid ongoing fighting in South Kivu Province, including the strategic town of Uvira.
Congolese forces have clashed repeatedly with M23 fighters, losing control of key territories.
Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of backing the rebels—claims Kigali denies, while the rebels claim they are defending the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities.
A regional mediation meeting in Lomé from January 16–17, 2026, led by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, reviewed ongoing mediation efforts.
The process involves former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, overseeing military and security issues, and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, handling refugee and humanitarian coordination.
U.S. and Qatari mediators also played a significant role in previous peace agreements between Rwanda and the DR Congo.
Lavrov acknowledged that despite these efforts, there is little progress toward ending the conflict, citing “longstanding unresolved problems.”
He said Russia was ready to step in as a neutral mediator but noted the challenge posed by M23’s strength on the ground.
“The conflict has persisted for years. Solutions have not been found, and the underlying issues remain,” Lavrov said. “We are willing to engage and see how we can help find a resolution.”
Observers note that AFC/M23 remains engaged in the Doha talks, seen as a potential avenue for resolving a war that has displaced thousands and destabilized the Great Lakes region for years.
Talks are expected to resume in the near future, amid growing international pressure to stabilize eastern DR Congo.
This development signals an escalation in diplomatic engagement, highlighting the strategic and political significance of the DR Congo conflict for regional and global powers.
