African mediation outlines strategies for eastern drc peace in second half of year

The African Union’s mediator for the crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the broader Great Lakes region, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, convened a crucial meeting in Lomé on Monday, June 8, 2026. This gathering served as a semiannual assessment of the African mediation efforts, taking place amidst a persistent diplomatic stalemate and ongoing hostilities between government forces and the AFC/M23 rebellion, reportedly backed by Rwanda.

Participants in this significant session included members of the College of Facilitators appointed by the African Union, alongside 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 two-day deliberations, held on June 7 and 8, 2026, aimed to evaluate the progress achieved since the establishment of the mediation framework in Lomé on January 17, 2026. A primary objective was to define strategic priorities for the second half of the year, providing essential support to the complementary peace processes led by the United States in Washington and the State of Qatar in Doha.

Strategic Directions for the Second Half of 2026

During the evaluation meeting, several key orientations were adopted to enhance the effectiveness of the African mediation. These include a strong emphasis on bolstering internal coordination among the Mediator’s Office, the Panel of Facilitators, the African Union Commission, and the Joint Independent Secretariat.

Stakeholders also underscored the critical need to formalize and deliver a distinct African contribution to the Washington and Doha processes. This is intended to foster greater local ownership, legitimize the ongoing efforts, and streamline their implementation on the ground.

Furthermore, participants urged all states and organizations engaged in peace initiatives to intensify their cooperation, guided by a spirit of solidarity. This collaboration must also respect the specific responsibilities and mandates outlined in the comprehensive mediation architecture adopted in Lomé earlier in the year, on January 17, 2026.

Immediate Actions to Boost Mediation Efficiency

To reinforce the mediation process’s efficacy, the meeting resulted in several immediate decisions. These include adjusting the work plans for the members of the Panel of Facilitators for the second half of 2026. Additionally, an operational action plan detailing the implementation modalities for all agreed decisions is to be developed within fifteen days.

With a renewed collective determination and a shared sense of responsibility, participants pledged to diligently and consistently execute the outcomes of this meeting. They committed to honoring their pledges and working collaboratively towards achieving lasting peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and across the Great Lakes region.

This recent assembly follows a high-level meeting focused on the coherence and consolidation of the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which took place in Lomé, Togo, on January 16 and 17. Initiated by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the principal mediator designated by the African Union for Eastern DRC, that earlier meeting sought to build trust among parties, advance dialogue, and ensure adherence to commitments made by various actors involved in peacebuilding.

The January initiative brought together a diverse panel of facilitators, including former heads of state, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey, representatives from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as several international partners. It built upon previous diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing Eastern DRC.

Following those January deliberations, the African Union unveiled the structure of its mediation framework for the Eastern DRC peace process. This framework places the mediation under the authority of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, who serves as the African Union’s mediator. He is supported by a dedicated Togolese mediation support team, comprising personnel from the Togolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency.

The framework further designates five co-facilitators, all former African heads of state, each tasked with specific thematic areas. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is responsible for military and security matters. Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde oversees humanitarian issues. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta leads the dialogue with local armed groups. Meanwhile, former Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi handles matters related to regional economic cooperation, and former Central African Republic transitional President Catherine Samba-Panza guides dossiers concerning civil society, reconciliation, and gender issues.

The comprehensive structure also includes a Joint Independent Secretariat, integrating representatives from Togo, the African Union, the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The African Union Commission, for its part, is responsible for coordinating with international partners, notably the United Nations, Qatar, the European Union, and the Group of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.