New Strategic Directions for Peace in Eastern DRC
In Lomé, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, serving as the African Union’s mediator, chaired a significant meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, to evaluate the peace process for the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region. This semi-annual review took place amid a stalemate in diplomatic initiatives and ongoing hostilities between DRC government forces and the AFC/M23 rebellion, which is supported by Rwanda.
The two-day assembly, held on June 7 and 8, brought together the College of Facilitators appointed by the African Union. Also present were 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).
The primary goal was to assess progress since the mediation architecture was established in Lomé on January 17, 2026. Participants also worked to define priorities for the second half of the year, aiming to bolster the complementary Washington and Doha peace processes, led by the United States and Qatar, respectively.
Strategic Orientations for the Remainder of the Year
According to a summary from the Togolese Presidency, the evaluation meeting resulted in several strategic directives. A key focus is the enhancement of internal coordination between the Mediator’s Office, the Panel of Facilitators, the African Union Commission, and the Joint Independent Secretariat.
Stakeholders also stressed the importance of formulating a distinct African contribution to the Washington and Doha processes. This is intended to increase regional ownership, add legitimacy, and simplify the implementation of peace agreements. A call was made for all states and organizations involved in the mediation to strengthen their cooperation in a spirit of solidarity, while respecting the mandates defined in the Lomé framework.
Immediate Measures Adopted
To improve the mediation’s effectiveness, several immediate actions were decided upon. These include adjusting the work plans of the Panel of Facilitators for the second semester of 2026. Furthermore, an operational action plan detailing the implementation of these decisions is to be drafted within fifteen days.
Participants expressed a renewed collective will and shared responsibility, committing to diligently and coherently implement the meeting’s outcomes to achieve lasting peace in the eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
A Structured Mediation Framework
This session follows a high-level meeting held in Lomé on January 16 and 17, which established the current mediation architecture. That initial gathering, also led by President Gnassingbé, aimed to build trust, advance dialogue, and ensure all parties honored their commitments.
The framework places the Togolese President as the lead mediator, supported by his foreign affairs ministry and presidential office. He is assisted by five co-facilitators, all former African heads of state, with specific responsibilities:
- Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, handles military and security issues.
- Sahle-Work Zewde, former president of Ethiopia, is in charge of humanitarian affairs.
- Uhuru Kenyatta, former president of Kenya, oversees dialogue with local armed groups.
- Mokgweetsi Masisi, former president of Botswana, focuses on regional economic cooperation.
- Catherine Samba-Panza, former transitional president of the Central African Republic, manages files related to civil society, reconciliation, and gender issues.
The structure also includes a Joint Independent Secretariat comprising Togo, the African Union, the EAC, SADC, and the ICGLR. The AU Commission is tasked with coordinating with international partners, including the United Nations, Qatar, the European Union, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
