Togo/Lomé: Faure Gnassingbé, a key figure in peace and mediation in Africa
Lomé has once again confirmed its status as an African diplomatic crossroads. The semi‑annual evaluation meeting on facilitating the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region concluded on June 8, 2026, in Lomé with the adoption of new guidelines to accelerate peace efforts.
At the heart of this dynamic stands Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council and African Union‑designated mediator, whose role now appears decisive in the search for lasting solutions to the continent’s crises.
Under his chairmanship, the talks identified several priorities for the second half of the year.
Participants agreed to strengthen coordination between the Mediator’s Office, the Panel of Facilitators, the African Union Commission, and the Independent Joint Secretariat.
This approach aims to make dialogue among stakeholders more effective and create favourable conditions for a gradual return of stability to the Great Lakes region.
The trust of the African Union in Faure Gnassingbé reflects recognition of his diplomatic experience and his ability to bring together actors with sometimes diverging positions.
Amid persistent tensions and complex security challenges, the Togolese leader stands out as a figure capable of fostering dialogue, consultation, and the search for compromise.
Over the years, Lomé has become a privileged space for exchanges and negotiations on several African dossiers.
This diplomatic credibility rests largely on the constant commitment of the President to peace, regional stability, and cooperation among African states. His involvement in the eastern DRC crisis illustrates this determination to actively contribute to conflict resolution through peaceful means.
The new guidelines adopted in Lomé reflect a clear ambition: to bring concerned parties closer together, strengthen mediation mechanisms, and accelerate peace initiatives.
Through this delicate mission, Faure Gnassingbé confirms his status as a major actor in African diplomacy.
As the continent continues to face multiple security challenges, his commitment to dialogue and reconciliation appears as a valuable asset for building a more stable, more united Africa resolutely turned toward peace.
Kodjovi Makafui
