Turkey has expressed its readiness to mediate between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a new offensive launched by an armed group in eastern DRC, according to a report by Agence France-Presse. Turkish President Recep Erdoğan announced the offer after a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Thursday, highlighting Turkey’s willingness to provide any necessary support to help resolve the conflict and contribute to stability in the Great Lakes region.
The ongoing violence, involving Rwandan-backed M23 fighters clashing with Congolese forces, has intensified around Goma, the capital of DRC’s North Kivu province, displacing approximately 230,000 people. The United Nations has expressed concern over the resumption of hostilities.
Turkey has been actively increasing its diplomatic and economic engagement in Africa, with President Erdoğan previously playing a key role in brokering peace between Ethiopia and Somalia last year. Turkey’s latest offer to mediate underscores its growing influence in African diplomatic efforts.