The African Union’s (AU) designated mediator for the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) crisis, Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo’s Council of Ministers, convened a high-level review meeting in Lomé to assess the progress of African-led mediation efforts over the past six months.

Attended by AU facilitators, international partners including the UN and the ICRC, as well as regional blocs like the EAC, ECCAS, SADC, and the ICGLR, the session reflected on strategic milestones achieved since the initial Lomé gathering in January.

Gnassingbé highlighted the structural improvements made to the mediation architecture, noting, « We have made substantial strides in organizing our mediation efforts since January, establishing clearer frameworks for collaboration. »* He emphasized that this gathering represented a pivotal moment in unifying regional and international stakeholders toward sustainable peace in the DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.

While acknowledging progress, the Togolese leader stressed the urgent need to enhance coherence and coordination among the multiple mediation mechanisms active in eastern DRC. « Our work demands relentless perseverance. We must maintain momentum and ensure all efforts are aligned to deliver tangible results. »*

Reaffirming his commitment to the AU’s mandate, Gnassingbé urged sustained collective action, underscoring the resolve of regional and global partners to support the peace process. « This mission requires humility, determination, and unity. Despite challenges, there is unwavering goodwill to accompany us on this path to stability. »*

To sustain the momentum, the meeting approved key measures, including revised work plans for the facilitators’ panel for the second half of 2026 and the development—within two weeks—of an operational action plan outlining the implementation of agreed decisions. Participants pledged to implement these steps with precision and consistency.