African peace mediation strengthens in Lomé for eastern DRC

Significant steps forward have been acknowledged in the process of organising African mediation efforts for peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This was a key takeaway from the technical session of the semi-annual evaluation meeting of the peace process, held from 7 to 8 June 2026 in Lomé at the initiative of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo and African Union mediator for resolving the crisis in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.

Following the ministerial phase previously led by the Minister of Cooperation and Togolese Abroad, Yackoley Johnson, the President of the Council, Faure Gnassingbé, chaired a meeting on Monday 8 June in Lomé dedicated to a semi-annual review of activities carried out under the African mediation.

The diplomatic gathering brought together members of the College of Facilitators appointed by the African Union, as well as representatives of the United Nations, the East African Community, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Southern African Development Community, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, around the Togolese mediation.

According to the Togolese Presidency, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé welcomed the presence of the facilitators, regional organisations and international partners at this evaluation meeting, stating that it reflects their ongoing commitment to peace, stability and development in the Great Lakes region.

The AU mediator particularly welcomed the progress made since the Lomé meeting devoted to coherence and consolidation of the various peace initiatives in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. In his view, these advances represent an important step towards better coordination of diplomatic and political efforts for a sustainable solution to the crisis affecting eastern DRC.

“We have taken an important step since January by bringing more order to the architecture of African mediation. I am convinced that this meeting marks a significant advance in improving our collective action and in finding lasting solutions to this crisis,” said the African Union mediator.

Mr. Gnassingbé stressed the need to continue efforts to further strengthen coherence, complementarity and coordination among the various mediation mechanisms involved in the peace process in this part of the continent. He insisted on the importance of maintaining sustained collective mobilisation for stability, peace and security in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In his view, only concerted action by regional, continental and international actors can consolidate the gains achieved and foster the emergence of lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.

“We will pursue this mission with humility, determination and perseverance. Despite the difficulties, we also note the existence of many good intentions ready to accompany us in this search for peace,” he emphasised.

This new meeting follows the high-level meeting on coherence and consolidation of the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, held on 16 and 17 January in Lomé, Togo. Initiated by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic and lead mediator designated by the African Union (AU) for eastern DRC, that meeting aimed to strengthen trust between the parties, advance dialogue and ensure compliance with commitments made by the various actors involved in the peace process.

This initiative, which brought together around the same table a panel of facilitators composed of former heads of state, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, representatives of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as several international partners, was part of the diplomatic efforts undertaken in recent months for stability in eastern DRC.

Following those talks, the African Union unveiled the architecture of its mediation for the peace process in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a document consulted. Under this framework, the mediation is placed under the authority of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, designated AU mediator. He is supported by a Togolese mediation support team composed of the Togolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency of the Republic.

According to the same document, five co-facilitators, all former African heads of state, are responsible for specific thematic areas. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo handles military and security matters. Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde oversees humanitarian issues. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta manages dialogue with local armed groups. Former Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi is responsible for regional economic cooperation, while former Central African Republic transitional President Catherine Samba-Panza leads files related to civil society, reconciliation and gender issues.

The framework also includes an independent joint secretariat involving Togo, the African Union, the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The African Union Commission ensures coordination with international partners, including the United Nations, Qatar, the European Union and the Group of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the document specified.