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Lomé hosts pivotal African mediation summit for eastern DRC peace efforts

By nigerreport / June 9, 2026

African-led peace initiative gains momentum in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo with stronger coordination

  • Peace & Security

Lomé has become the focal point for African mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s embattled eastern regions. A high-level technical meeting concluded on June 8, 2026, marking a turning point in regional peacebuilding strategies. The gathering, convened by Togolese Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé—who also serves as African Union mediator for the Great Lakes region—brought together key stakeholders to assess progress and streamline peace initiatives.

Structured mediation takes center stage

Since January 2026, African mediation bodies have undergone significant restructuring to improve coordination among peace efforts in eastern DRC. The Lomé summit evaluated these reforms, with Gnassingbé emphasizing the importance of a unified approach. “We have achieved a major milestone by establishing clearer structures within our mediation framework,” he stated. “This meeting represents a significant leap forward in our collective ability to address the crisis.”

The African Union’s mediation architecture, as discussed in Lomé, follows a tiered system:

  • Leadership: Faure Gnassingbé oversees the entire process as AU mediator, supported by Togo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the presidential administration.
  • Co-facilitators: Five former African heads of state lead specialized tracks:
    – Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria): Military and security matters
    – 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
  • Secretariat: A joint body integrating the African Union, East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, with coordination from the AU Commission.

Regional and international collaboration intensifies

The June meeting in Lomé saw participation from UN representatives, 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. Gnassingbé highlighted their collective commitment: “The presence of these facilitators and partners demonstrates a shared determination to restore stability in the Great Lakes region. We must build on these efforts to ensure lasting peace.”

“Our mission continues with humility and perseverance. Despite challenges, we see growing goodwill from those willing to join this peace endeavor.”

Path to sustainable peace

The Lomé summit follows an earlier January 2026 conference that laid the groundwork for enhanced trust-building and dialogue among stakeholders. The structured mediation model aims to:

  • Improve coherence between different peace initiatives
  • Strengthen collaboration with regional organizations and international partners
  • Ensure alignment with commitments made by involved parties

As eastern DRC faces persistent security and humanitarian challenges, African leaders are pushing for a unified strategy. The next phase will focus on maintaining momentum, with Gnassingbé stressing the need for sustained collective action: “Only through concerted efforts can we consolidate gains and achieve durable peace in the Great Lakes region.”

— Reporting from Lomé

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