Togo: Constructive diplomacy and the quest for peace – Faure Gnassingbé, a mediator serving Africa
Designated by the African Union as Mediator for resolving the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé conducts an active diplomacy grounded in dialogue, trust and strategic coherence. His mission, commended by African peers, reflects a Pan-African vision of peace where mediation extends beyond declarations to embody concrete action serving populations.
Upon his appointment, the Togolese mediator engaged in high-level consultations.
In April 2025, he traveled to Luanda for talks with Angolan President João Lourenço, then to Kinshasa to meet Félix Tshisekedi, before continuing efforts in Kigali and Bujumbura.
This multidimensional approach, combining listening and proximity with stakeholders, demonstrates his determination to restore constructive dialogue amid persistent tensions and mutual mistrust.
In January 2026, Faure Gnassingbé chaired a high-level meeting in Lomé on coherence and consolidation of the peace process, attended by the AU Commission Chair and a panel of facilitators comprising former African heads of state.
He established principles for unified action, calling to move beyond repeated diagnoses and transition “from declarations to action.”
According to him, peace is measured neither by signed agreements nor meeting attendance, but by restored security, access to essential services and the return of trust in daily life.
This meeting established the principle of “centrality of mediation conducted by the Togolese Republic,” harmonized understanding of the unified process and adopted an operational work plan for facilitators.
A semi-annual evaluation held in June 2026 in Lomé confirmed progress achieved and adjusted coordination tools in a spirit of humility and determination.
Through this mediation, Togo reinforces its role as a discreet but influential actor in African crisis management.
The constructive diplomacy of Faure Gnassingbé, combining neutrality, perseverance and concern for populations, embodies a distinctly African approach to conflict resolution, founded on enhanced cooperation and regional integration.
KODJOVI Makafui
