Lomé, Togo – African mediators have finalized a comprehensive strategy to accelerate peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a critical two-day evaluation meeting that concluded on June 8, 2026.

The high-level gathering, chaired by Togolese Prime Minister and African Union mediator Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, brought together top diplomats from across the continent to assess progress in regional peace initiatives. The talks occurred against a backdrop of persistent conflict between DRC government forces and the M23 rebel group, which continues to receive external support.

Participants included representatives from the African Union, United Nations, East African Community, Economic Community of Central African States, Southern African Development Community, and other key regional bodies. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination among these organizations while aligning their efforts with complementary peace processes in Washington and Doha.

Key strategic decisions adopted

The assembled leaders endorsed several critical measures designed to enhance the effectiveness of African mediation in eastern DRC:

  • Structural coordination: Creation of an integrated action plan to synchronize the work of the Mediation Office, Facilitators’ Panel, African Union Commission and independent secretariat
  • Regional ownership: Development of an African contribution framework to complement international peace processes, ensuring local legitimacy and implementation feasibility
  • Immediate operational adjustments: Updated work plans for all facilitators with a 15-day deadline to finalize concrete implementation mechanisms

Regional cooperation emphasized

In a joint statement, participants underscored the need for enhanced solidarity among all nations and organizations involved in peace efforts, while respecting their respective mandates established in the Lomé mediation architecture adopted in January 2026. The roadmap calls for collective responsibility in implementing decisions and maintaining momentum toward sustainable peace in both eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.

The African Union’s mediation framework, established during the January 2026 Lomé summit, assigns specific thematic responsibilities to five former African heads of state:

  • Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria): Military and security issues
  • Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia): Humanitarian affairs
  • Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya): Dialogue with local armed groups
  • Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana): Regional economic cooperation
  • Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic): Civil society, reconciliation and gender issues

This strategic planning session follows the January 2026 Lomé high-level meeting that established the current mediation architecture. The ongoing efforts represent Africa’s coordinated response to decades of instability in eastern DRC, where multiple armed groups continue to threaten regional security despite previous peace agreements.