Togo’s President and African Union mediator Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé hosted DRC Integration Minister Floribert Anzuluni in Lomé to discuss security challenges in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and mediation efforts.

The high-level meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Togo and the DRC while addressing the persistent security crisis in the mineral-rich eastern provinces. The discussions come as the region faces renewed hostilities from the M23 rebel group, which continues to expand its territorial control despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

The Togolese presidency confirmed that “both parties reaffirmed their commitment to finding a lasting solution to the Great Lakes region conflict through inclusive dialogue and enhanced regional coordination”. Gnassingbé, serving as the African Union’s designated mediator for the DRC crisis, emphasized the need for unified regional action to stabilize the volatile situation.

Anzuluni’s diplomatic mission follows recent consultations with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and comes at a critical juncture in the DRC’s political landscape. With presidential elections approaching in two years, the timing of these regional diplomacy efforts suggests growing concerns about potential constitutional changes and their impact on regional stability.

The discussions in Lomé build upon previous peace initiative evaluations held in June 2026, where Gnassingbé stressed the importance of harmonizing mediation mechanisms across multiple international and regional platforms. The African Union mediator called for sustained collective mobilization to support peace and security in eastern DRC.

These diplomatic engagements follow a series of high-level consultations between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and regional leaders, including meetings with Republic of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso and Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who is currently serving as AU Chairperson.

Key regional developments

• M23 advances: Despite diplomatic pressure, the M23 rebellion continues to control significant mineral deposits in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
• International mediation: Recent peace talks in Washington and Doha have yet to yield tangible results, prompting regional leaders to intensify their own diplomatic efforts.
• Constitutional debates: The DRC’s political climate remains tense as discussions about potential constitutional changes gain momentum ahead of the 2028 election cycle.

Gnassingbé’s peace initiative, which has brought together former heads of state, regional organizations like the East African Community and SADC, and international partners, represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex crisis in eastern DRC. The mediator stressed that “only coordinated action by regional, continental and international actors can consolidate peace gains and prevent further destabilization”.