Beneath the Kampala sun, the formal greetings and warm handshakes masked deeper concerns about Africa’s pressing challenges. On the morning of May 12, 2026, the President of the Togolese Council arrived in Uganda as a distinguished guest. Invited to witness Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration following his reelection in January, Faure Gnassingbé was there not just to honor an ally but to advance a critical humanitarian mission affecting millions across Africa: restoring peace to the Great Lakes region.
Kampala’s streets buzzed with festive energy on inauguration day. Traditional songs and military parades set the rhythm as the ceremony unfolded under the official theme “Safeguarding progress and advancing toward upper-middle-income status.” Heads of state from across Africa, along with delegations from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, gathered to celebrate.
Yet beyond the pomp and pageantry, the visit underscored a longstanding bond between Faure Gnassingbé and Yoweri Museveni. By extending congratulations for Museveni’s new term, the Togolese leader reinforced a partnership built on trust. The Ugandan president welcomed this gesture as a testament to the strong economic and political ties between Lomé and Kampala.
The Great Lakes crisis: diplomacy in action
The smiles on the reviewing stand couldn’t overshadow the urgent security realities facing the continent. This trip to Kampala was far more than a courtesy call—it carried the weight of a humanitarian crisis. As the African Union’s mediator for the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Faure Gnassingbé knows that every diplomatic breakthrough saves lives.
During his visit, he reaffirmed Togo’s commitment to relentless dialogue with all stakeholders in the Great Lakes region. Uganda, with its deep understanding of regional politics, emerged as a key partner. President Museveni praised the Togolese approach, highlighting its emphasis on discreet diplomacy, mutual listening, and a firm rejection of confrontational posturing.
A partnership built on consistency
Inside the Ugandan presidential palace, officials noted the deep familiarity between the two leaders. Their last bilateral meeting had taken place just months earlier, in Entebbe on February 3, 2026. Such regular exchanges underscore how Togo has become a vital facilitator in Africa’s peacebuilding efforts. While the inauguration festivities faded in Kampala, the mission endured. Returning to Lomé, Faure Gnassingbé carried with him the conviction that a strong bridge now connects West and East Africa—a bridge dedicated to the shared goal of stability and continental development. This diplomatic mission once again demonstrated Togo’s unwavering commitment to Africa’s peace and collaborative governance.
