African mediation in eastern DRC strengthens coordination at Lomé peace review

Progress has been hailed in structuring the African-led peace mediation for eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This emerged as a key takeaway from the technical session of the semi-annual peace process evaluation, held on June 7–8, 2026, in Lomé at the initiative of Togo’s Council President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who serves as the African Union mediator for the eastern DRC and Great Lakes crisis.

Following a ministerial phase led by Cooperation and Togolese Abroad Minister Yackoley Johnson, President Gnassingbé chaired the Monday, June 8 meeting devoted to reviewing activities under the African mediation framework.

The diplomatic encounter brought together the College of Facilitators appointed by the African Union alongside representatives from 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.

The Togolese Presidency said Gnassingbé welcomed the presence of facilitators, regional organizations, and international partners, noting that it reflects their steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and development in the Great Lakes area.

The AU mediator particularly praised advances since the Lomé meeting dedicated to coherence and consolidation of various peace initiatives in the DRC and Great Lakes region. He described these as a significant step toward stronger coordination of diplomatic and political efforts for a lasting solution to the crisis affecting eastern DRC.

“We have taken an important step since January by bringing more order into the African mediation architecture. I am convinced that this meeting marks substantial progress in improving our collective action and in finding sustainable solutions to this crisis,” the AU mediator stated.

Gnassingbé underscored the need to continue strengthening coherence, complementarity, and coordination among the various mediation mechanisms involved in the peace process for this region. He stressed the importance of sustained collective mobilization for stability, peace, and security in eastern DRC.

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

“We will continue this mission with humility, determination, and perseverance. Despite the difficulties, we also note the existence of many good wills ready to accompany us in this quest for peace,” he emphasized.

This latest gathering follows the high-level meeting on coherence and consolidation of the peace process in the DRC, held on January 16–17 in Lomé. Initiated by Faure Gnassingbé as lead AU mediator, that meeting aimed to build trust among parties, advance dialogue, and ensure respect for commitments by various stakeholders.

Bringing together a panel of facilitators including former heads of state, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, representatives of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, along with several international partners, the initiative was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize eastern DRC.

At the close of those talks, the African Union unveiled the architecture of its mediation for the peace process in eastern DRC. Under this framework, the mediation is headed by Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé as AU mediator, supported by a Togolese mediation support team comprising the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Presidency.

Five co-facilitators, all former African heads of state, are assigned specific portfolios. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo handles military and security issues. Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde is in charge of humanitarian affairs. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta oversees 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 on civil society, reconciliation, and gender.

The setup 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. The AU Commission coordinates with international partners, including the United Nations, Qatar, the European Union, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.