diplomatic talks in Lomé address eastern DRC security crisis

The capital of Togo, Lomé, recently hosted a crucial diplomatic exchange as Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Togolese Prime Minister and African Union mediator, met with Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Regional Integration Minister. The meeting focused on escalating security challenges in eastern DRC and advancing mediation efforts to restore lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.

a regional mediation effort gains momentum

During the discussions at Pya in the Kozah prefecture, Floribert Anzuluni conveyed gratitude to Faure Gnassingbé for his sustained commitment to resolving the prolonged conflict in the Great Lakes region. As the designated African Union mediator for the DRC crisis, Faure Gnassingbé has been leading consultations with key stakeholders to broker a peaceful resolution to the ongoing hostilities in eastern DRC.

The meeting followed a technical evaluation session of the peace process in early June 2026, also held in Lomé. At that gathering, Faure Gnassingbé emphasized the need to strengthen coherence and coordination among various mediation mechanisms working toward peace in the region. He stressed that collective and sustained action by regional, continental, and international actors is essential to consolidate progress and achieve durable stability in eastern DRC.

regional consultations intensify amid ongoing conflict

The Lomé talks are part of a broader diplomatic push to address the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, where the AFC/M23 rebellion—allegedly supported by Rwanda according to Kinshasa and multiple international reports—continues to expand its territorial control in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Recent military offensives have further destabilized the region, despite diplomatic initiatives in Washington and Doha showing limited progress toward a sustainable resolution.

Before arriving in Lomé, Floribert Anzuluni had visited Uganda, carrying a message from Félix Tshisekedi to Yoweri Museveni. These high-level exchanges occur against a backdrop of intense diplomatic activity in the region, including ongoing discussions between Kinshasa and Luanda on bilateral issues and regional peace and security concerns.

diplomatic momentum builds across the great lakes

The meetings in Lomé follow recent consultations by Évariste Ndayishimiye, current African Union chair and Burundian President, with religious leaders and opposition figures in DRC. Additional diplomatic sequences include Félix Tshisekedi’s recent visit to Brazzaville for talks with Congolese counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso, as well as Denis Sassou Nguesso’s subsequent meetings with Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo to discuss political and institutional developments in DRC.

These efforts underscore a coordinated regional approach to resolving one of Africa’s most persistent conflicts. As Faure Gnassingbé continues to facilitate dialogue, the international community watches closely for signs of progress toward de-escalation and a lasting political settlement in eastern DRC.