The African Union (AU) Mediator for the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Great Lakes region, Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé, convened a high-level review meeting in Lomé yesterday to assess the progress of African-led mediation efforts over the past six months.

Attendees included AU facilitators, representatives from international partners such as the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as well as regional bodies including the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

Gnassingbé highlighted the significant strides made in streamlining the mediation architecture, particularly since January’s Lomé gathering focused on strengthening peacebuilding efforts in the DRC and the broader region.

« We have established a more structured framework for African mediation since the start of the year, » he stated. « This meeting represents a pivotal moment in enhancing our collective impact and advancing sustainable solutions to the crisis. »

Yet, despite these gains, the Mediator emphasized the need for continued coordination among the various mediation mechanisms active in the region to ensure cohesive action.

Reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the mission entrusted by the AU, Gnassingbé urged sustained international support for peace in the DRC, stressing that « we will carry out this task with humility, resilience, and perseverance. While challenges persist, we are encouraged by the strong collective will to achieve lasting peace. »

The meeting concluded with concrete steps to bolster mediation efforts, including the revision of the facilitators’ work plans for the second half of 2026 and the development of a 15-day operational action plan detailing the implementation of key decisions.

Participants pledged to execute these measures with « urgency and alignment, » reaffirming their dedication to restoring stability in eastern DRC through coordinated and decisive action.