The United Nations has officially recognized Togo’s dedication to fostering peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in its eastern regions. This endorsement comes during a high-level meeting in Lomé, where representatives of the UN and African Union (AU) reaffirmed their backing for the mediation efforts led by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo and designated AU mediator for the DRC crisis.
Faure Gnassingbé and James Swan
On June 8, 2026, James Swan, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and head of MONUSCO, along with Huang Xia, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, held discussions with Faure Gnassingbé. The meeting focused on evaluating the progress of diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the prolonged conflict in eastern DRC, which continues to deteriorate despite existing peace agreements.
a coordinated approach to peace in the great lakes
During the talks, UN officials praised Togo’s proactive role in mediating regional conflicts and stressed their full support for Gnassingbé’s leadership in achieving a sustainable resolution. The discussions highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration between the UN, AU, and regional stakeholders to address the persistent challenges in the region.
The deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains a critical concern, with ongoing violence and instability fueled by armed groups like the AFC/M23, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting. Despite multiple peace initiatives, including the Washington Agreement and the Doha Process, progress has been hindered by a lack of political will and trust among parties.
challenges and ongoing efforts
Key obstacles to peace include:
- The erosion of trust between conflicting parties.
- Divergent interpretations of peace agreements.
- Regional actors prioritizing geopolitical interests over collective stability.
UN and AU mediators are calling for renewed commitment to implement existing agreements and address the root causes of the conflict. The situation is further complicated by the resurgence of Ebola in some areas and the displacement of thousands of civilians.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains engaged, but tangible progress will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to uphold their commitments and prioritize peace over political or economic gains.