AU mediator faure gnassingbé renews commitment to eastern DRC stability
Faure Gnassingbé, the President of Togo and the designated Mediator for the African Union (AU) in addressing the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the wider Great Lakes region, recently chaired a critical high-level meeting in Lomé. This gathering, held yesterday, Monday, served as a semi-annual review of the ongoing African mediation initiatives.
The strategic session brought together key stakeholders, including facilitators from the AU, delegates representing prominent international partners such as the United Nations (ONU) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR), as well as representatives from regional organizations like the East African Community (CAE), the Economic Community of Central African States (CEAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL).
During the meeting, President Gnassingbé acknowledged the significant strides made in structuring the African mediation framework. He particularly highlighted the progress achieved since the preceding Lomé meeting, which focused on enhancing the coherence and consolidation of the peace process across the DRC and the broader region.
“We have moved past a crucial threshold since January, bringing greater order to the architecture of African mediation,” he stated. He further added, “I am convinced that this meeting marks a meaningful advancement in refining our collective efforts and in the pursuit of sustainable solutions to this persistent crisis.”
Despite these positive developments, the Mediator underscored the imperative for sustained efforts. He stressed the need to further strengthen the coherence and coordination among the various mediation mechanisms actively involved in the peace process within this vital part of the continent.
Reaffirming his steadfast commitment to the mission entrusted to him by the AU, Gnassingbé also issued a call for continued collective mobilization. He urged all parties to remain dedicated to fostering stability throughout the DRC.
“We will press forward with this mission, guided by humility, unwavering determination, and perseverance. Even amidst the challenges, we recognize the presence of numerous willing partners ready to support us in this quest for peace,” he emphasized.
To sustain the momentum initiated by the Mediator, the attendees endorsed several measures designed to optimize the mediation process. These included adjusting the work plans for members of the Panel of Facilitators for the second half of 2026, and the development, within the next fifteen days, of an operational action plan detailing the implementation modalities for the decisions reached.
With a renewed sense of collective commitment, the participants pledged to execute these measures with both diligence and coherence, aiming for tangible progress in the region’s peace efforts.