Togo’s mediator meets DRC envoy to address eastern Congo’s security challenges

The Togolese prime minister and African Union mediator for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, held crucial discussions in Lomé with Floribert Anzuluni, special envoy of President Félix Tshisekedi, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Kinshasa and Lomé, as well as addressing the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC. The talks also highlighted mediation efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Great Lakes region, which has faced persistent armed conflicts for over three decades.

“Mr. Anzuluni expressed gratitude for the Togolese leader’s commitment to resolving the conflict in the Great Lakes region,” a statement from the Togolese Council of Ministers noted. Faure Gnassingbé, designated by the African Union as mediator for the DRC crisis, continues consultations with stakeholders to foster a peaceful and sustainable resolution.”

Before arriving in Lomé, the DRC envoy visited Uganda to deliver a message from President Tshisekedi to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. These diplomatic engagements occur amid escalating hostilities in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group—allegedly backed by Rwanda according to Kinshasa and international reports—continues its offensive against government forces. The group controls significant territory in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces while diplomatic initiatives in Washington and Doha struggle to yield tangible results.

The discussions also coincide with national political debates in the DRC regarding potential constitutional revisions or changes, with two years remaining in President Tshisekedi’s term.

These high-level meetings follow a period of intensified diplomatic activity in the region. Kinshasa and Luanda have maintained regular exchanges on bilateral issues and regional peace and security. The talks also follow consultations by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye—current African Union chair—with religious leaders and opposition figures in the DRC.

Another key diplomatic development related to the DRC crisis was President Tshisekedi’s recent visit to Brazzaville to meet with Denis Sassou Nguesso. This followed a state visit by Évariste Ndayishimiye to Kinshasa, during which Denis Sassou Nguesso later received Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo to discuss the DRC’s political and institutional situation.

Mr. Anzuluni’s visit to Lomé comes weeks after the semi-annual technical review of the peace process, held June 7–8, 2026, at the initiative of Faure Gnassingbé. During the session, the Togolese mediator emphasized the need to enhance coherence, complementarity, and coordination among mediation mechanisms working to stabilize eastern DRC. He underscored the importance of sustained collective action to ensure peace, security, and stability in the region.

Only unified action by regional, continental, and international actors can consolidate progress and pave the way for durable peace in the Great Lakes region.

The June meeting followed a high-level conference on enhancing trust and advancing dialogue in the DRC peace process, held January 16–17 in Lomé. Organized by Faure Gnassingbé as AU mediator for eastern DRC, the event brought together former heads of state, Togo’s foreign minister Robert Dussey, representatives from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), and international partners. The goal was to reinforce commitments and foster confidence among all stakeholders involved in the peace process.

This initiative builds on months of diplomatic efforts to stabilize eastern DRC and marks a critical step in consolidating mediation efforts in the region.