Lomé hosted a pivotal gathering last week as African mediators intensified efforts to resolve the persistent crisis in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The two-day technical session, held from June 7 to 8, 2026, marked a significant step forward in organizing and coordinating peace initiatives across the Great Lakes region.
The high-level meeting, convened under the leadership of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council and designated mediator by the African Union (AU), brought together key regional and international stakeholders. Participants included members of the AU’s Facilitators’ College, 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.
Key achievements and strategic focus
According to a statement from the Togolese Presidency, Faure Gnassingbé emphasized the importance of the meeting as a testament to the unwavering commitment of regional and global partners toward peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The mediator highlighted progress made since the January 2026 gathering in Lomé, which focused on aligning and consolidating various peace initiatives in the DRC and neighboring countries.
“We have made significant strides since January in structuring the African mediation framework,” Gnassingbé remarked. “This session reflects a collective determination to enhance coordination and effectiveness in our peace efforts.” He underscored the need for continued collaboration to strengthen coherence, complementarity, and synergy among the diverse mediation mechanisms involved in the peace process.
A unified approach to peacebuilding
The AU’s mediation architecture for eastern DRC, as outlined during the January meeting, was further reinforced in Lomé. Under Gnassingbé’s leadership, the framework is supported by a Togolese mediation team comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Republic’s presidency. The structure also includes five co-facilitators, each tasked with specific thematic priorities:
- Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria): Handling military and security issues.
- Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia): Addressing humanitarian concerns.
- Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya): Engaging with local armed groups.
- Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana): Overseeing regional economic cooperation.
- Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic): Focusing on civil society, reconciliation, and gender issues.
A joint independent secretariat, encompassing the Togolese government, the AU, the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, will ensure seamless coordination. The AU Commission will liaise with international partners, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the UN Security Council’s five permanent members.
Vision for sustainable peace
Gnassingbé expressed optimism about the progress while acknowledging the challenges ahead. “Our mission continues with humility, perseverance, and determination,” he stated. “Despite the obstacles, we are heartened by the many goodwill initiatives that align with our shared goal of achieving lasting peace.”
The June session follows the January 2026 high-level meeting in Lomé, which brought together former heads of state, regional organizations, and international partners to restore trust, advance dialogue, and ensure accountability among all stakeholders involved in the peace process. The January gathering laid the groundwork for the AU’s mediation strategy, which has now entered a more structured phase.
The ongoing crisis in eastern DRC has underscored the need for a coordinated regional response. By strengthening collaboration among mediators, regional bodies, and international actors, the Lomé meetings aim to foster a sustainable peace that addresses the root causes of conflict and promotes stability across the Great Lakes region.