On Monday, June 8, 2026, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the President of Togo and the African Union’s designated mediator for the crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the broader Great Lakes region, chaired a pivotal meeting in Lomé. This gathering focused on the semi-annual assessment of African mediation activities, taking place amidst a persistent diplomatic stalemate and ongoing armed clashes between government forces and the AFC/M23 rebellion, reportedly backed by Rwanda.

The high-level discussions brought together key figures, including members of the College of Facilitators appointed by the African Union, alongside representatives from the United Nations, the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Spanning two days, June 7 and 8, 2026, the primary objective of these crucial talks was to evaluate the strides made since the African mediation framework was established in Lomé on January 17, 2026. Furthermore, participants aimed to delineate strategic priorities for the second half of the year, providing essential support to the complementary peace processes spearheaded by the United States in Washington and the State of Qatar in Doha.

Strategic Directives for the Second Half of 2026

According to a statement from the Togolese Presidency, the evaluation meeting resulted in the adoption of several critical strategic orientations. These include enhancing internal coordination among the Mediator’s Office, the Panel of Facilitators, the African Union Commission, and the Joint Independent Secretariat. This move aims to streamline operations and boost the overall effectiveness of African politics in peacebuilding.

Stakeholders also underscored the imperative of structuring and delivering a cohesive African contribution to the Washington and Doha processes. This contribution is designed to foster greater regional ownership, legitimize the ongoing efforts, and facilitate their successful implementation, marking a significant step in pan-African news regarding conflict resolution.

Moreover, participants urged all states and organizations involved in the mediation endeavors to intensify their cooperation, guided by a spirit of solidarity. This collaboration is expected to uphold the responsibilities and mandates outlined in the comprehensive mediation architecture adopted in Lomé on January 17, 2026, reinforcing West Africa news and broader African economy today stability.

Immediate Measures for Enhanced Effectiveness

To bolster the efficacy of the peace mediation process, the meeting also adopted several immediate measures. These include adjusting the work plans for the members of the Panel of Facilitators for the second half of 2026. Additionally, an operational action plan detailing the implementation modalities for the adopted decisions is to be developed within fifteen days.

The Togolese Presidency emphasized that participants, driven by a renewed collective resolve and a shared sense of responsibility, pledged to diligently and consistently execute the meeting’s decisions. Their commitment extends to honoring all pledges and collaborating towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and across the Great Lakes region.

This recent gathering follows a high-level meeting on the coherence and consolidation of the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, as the African Union’s lead mediator for Eastern DRC, also convened in Lomé, Togo, on January 16 and 17. That initial meeting sought to build trust among parties, advance dialogue, and ensure adherence to commitments made by all actors involved in the peace process.

The January initiative brought together a diverse panel of facilitators, including former heads of state, Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey, representatives from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), along with various international partners. It served as a continuation of diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering stability in Eastern DRC.

Following those earlier discussions, the African Union unveiled the framework for its mediation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo peace process. This structure places the mediation under the authority of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, supported by a dedicated Togolese mediation support team comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency.

The framework also designates five co-facilitators, all distinguished former African heads of state, each tasked with specific thematic areas. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo leads on military and security matters. Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde oversees humanitarian concerns. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is responsible for facilitating dialogue with local armed groups. Meanwhile, former Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi addresses regional economic cooperation issues, and former Central African Republic transitional President Catherine Samba-Panza guides efforts related to civil society, reconciliation, and gender equality.

Completing the structure is a Joint Independent Secretariat, involving Togo, the African Union, the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The African Union Commission, for its part, ensures coordination with international partners, including the United Nations, Qatar, the European Union, and the Permanent Five members of the United Nations Security Council.