Regional mediation takes center stage as DR Congo envoy engages Togo’s president

  • Security

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council of Ministers and African Union mediator for the DR Congo-Rwanda conflict, received Floribert Anzuluni, DR Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at Pya in the Kozah prefecture.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Kinshasa and Lomé while addressing the ongoing security challenges in eastern DR Congo. The discussions also centered on mediation efforts to restore lasting peace in the Great Lakes region, which has faced decades of armed conflict.

The Togolese presidency highlighted that Anzuluni expressed gratitude for Gnassingbé’s personal commitment to finding a sustainable solution to the regional conflict. As AU-appointed mediator for eastern DR Congo and the Great Lakes region, Gnassingbé is leading consultations with key stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

« Floribert Anzuluni acknowledged President Gnassingbé’s pivotal role in mediating the Great Lakes crisis. His mediation efforts are crucial in coordinating regional responses to restore stability in eastern DR Congo, » stated the Togolese Council presidency.

Anzuluni’s visit to Lomé follows his diplomatic mission to Uganda, where he delivered a message from DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi to Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni. These engagements occur amid escalating hostilities in eastern DR Congo, where the M23 rebel group—allegedly supported by Rwanda according to Kinshasa and international reports—continues its offensive against government forces.

The rebel group maintains control over significant portions of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, consolidating its position despite diplomatic initiatives in Washington and Doha that have yet to yield tangible peace agreements.

These discussions coincide with heightened national political debates in DR Congo regarding potential constitutional revisions ahead of President Tshisekedi’s term end in two years. The diplomatic flurry reflects intensified regional coordination efforts.

Kinshasa and Luanda have maintained regular exchanges on bilateral relations and regional peace and security challenges. These talks follow consultations by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, current AU chair, with DR Congo’s religious leaders and opposition figures.

A parallel diplomatic track saw President Tshisekedi’s recent visit to Brazzaville for talks with Congolese counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso, following Ndayishimiye’s state visit to Kinshasa. Days later, Sassou Nguesso continued consultations by meeting Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo to discuss DR Congo’s political and institutional situation.

Anzuluni’s arrival in Lomé came weeks after the semi-annual peace process evaluation meeting held from 7-8 June 2026 in Lomé, initiated by Gnassingbé. During these sessions, the Togolese leader emphasized the need to enhance coherence and coordination among various mediation mechanisms working toward peace in the region.

Gnassingbé stressed that collective mobilization is essential to consolidate peace and security in eastern DR Congo. He underscored that only unified action by regional, continental, and international actors could translate progress into durable peace in the Great Lakes region.

This evaluation session followed the high-level meeting on peace process coherence in DR Congo held on 16-17 January in Lomé. Initiated by Gnassingbé, these gatherings aim to build trust between parties, advance dialogue, and ensure compliance with commitments made by involved actors.

The January meeting brought together former heads of state, Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, representatives from the East African Community and Southern African Development Community, and international partners. This initiative built on months of diplomatic efforts to stabilize eastern DR Congo.