As the African Union’s (AU) designated mediator for the Great Lakes region and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Faure Gnassingbé, Togo’s Prime Minister, convened a high-level review session in Lomé yesterday to assess progress in the continental peace mediation initiative. The gathering brought together AU facilitators, international partners including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as regional blocs such as the East African Community, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Southern African Development Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.
Gnassingbé highlighted the structural improvements made in the African mediation framework since January, emphasizing the strides taken to enhance coherence and consolidate peace efforts in the DRC and surrounding areas. “We have made significant headway in organizing the mediation architecture,” he stated. “This gathering represents a pivotal moment in strengthening our collective resolve and advancing sustainable solutions to end this prolonged crisis.”
While acknowledging the progress, the AU mediator stressed the ongoing need to deepen coordination among the multiple mediation mechanisms active in the region. “Our work must continue with greater unity to ensure that all efforts align toward a common goal,” he noted.
Reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the mandate entrusted by the AU, Gnassingbé urged sustained regional solidarity to restore stability in the DRC. “We will carry out this mission with humility, determination, and perseverance,” he declared. “Despite the challenges, we are encouraged by the strong will of many stakeholders ready to join us in this peacebuilding endeavor.”
To sustain momentum, the meeting approved key measures, including revised work plans for the facilitators’ panel for the second half of 2026 and the drafting—within two weeks—of an operational action plan to implement agreed-upon decisions. Participants pledged to execute these steps “with urgency and consistency.”
