Lomé, 05 December 2025 – (©AfreePress) – Since his official appointment by the African Union as Mediator for the resolution of the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé has fully committed himself to an intensive and inclusive diplomatic approach aimed at restoring lasting stability, security, and cooperation in a region still plagued by persistent tensions with alarming economic and humanitarian impacts. Through a series of initiatives, continuous bilateral and multilateral consultations, and regular engagements with regional and international stakeholders, the President of the Council has worked to foster constructive dialogue, rebuild confidence among the parties involved, and promote sustainable solutions to the crisis affecting eastern DRC.
A Mission of Hope Entrusted to Faure Gnassingbé by the African Union
On 05 April 2025, the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, was appointed by the African Union as Mediator in the crisis between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, in line with the AU’s mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent.
The decision was announced following the first meeting of the Bureau of the AU Conference on the situation in eastern DRC, chaired by H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and current Chairperson of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé’s appointment reflects renewed confidence in his ability to lead an impartial and experienced mediation effort capable of reconciling the conflicting parties. It also underscores the AU’s commitment to promoting African-led solutions to the region’s security challenges. His selection attests to the international stature and peace-driven leadership for which the President of the Council is widely recognized by his peers and regional bodies.
Faure Gnassingbé Demonstrates Early and Firm Commitment to Regional Peace
Leveraging his extensive political and diplomatic experience—proven through the successful management of socio-political and security crises across the continent—the President of the Council immediately embarked on pivotal consultations.
His first diplomatic mission took him to Luanda, Angola, on 16 April 2025. This initial visit aligned with ongoing efforts led by African heads of state to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.
Angolan President João Lourenço reaffirmed his full support for the mission entrusted to President Gnassingbé, praising the effectiveness of Togolese diplomacy and highlighting Togo’s key role in promoting peace, reconciliation, stability, and security in West Africa and beyond.
Strategic Engagements with Leaders of the Great Lakes Region
In carrying out his mandate, President Gnassingbé conducted several field missions to countries directly or indirectly affected by the crisis, including the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. These high-level consultations with Heads of State, government officials, regional organisations, and civil society actors aimed to promote dialogue, foster mutual trust, and identify the foundations for lasting peace.
He first traveled to Kinshasa for discussions with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to lay the groundwork for a sustainable peace and reconciliation process.
High-Level Talks in Urugwiro with President Paul Kagame
Continuing his consultations, the President of the Council visited Kigali on 21 April 2025, where he was received at Urugwiro Village by President Paul Kagame. Togo’s objective is clear: to help build a sincere, inclusive, and constructive dialogue framework capable of fostering lasting reconciliation between Kigali and Kinshasa.
The two leaders examined the structural and immediate factors driving persistent tensions, as well as the regional dynamics influencing collective security.
In an equally inclusive approach, President Gnassingbé traveled to Kampala for discussions with President Yoweri Museveni, a key regional actor whose role remains essential for stability in the Great Lakes. They emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation based on mutual trust, information sharing, and continual consultation.
During his participation in TICAD 9 in Yokohama in August 2025, President Gnassingbé also met with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye to discuss peace and security challenges in Central Africa and the Great Lakes. President Ndayishimiye commended the Togolese leader’s commitment to mediation initiatives across Africa and highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to preserve peace and strengthen regional stability.
African Union Mediator Hosts Former Heads of State in Lomé
On 17 May 2025, President Gnassingbé convened in Lomé the first meeting with the panel of facilitators composed of prominent former heads of state: Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), and Catherine Samba Panza (Central African Republic).
The meeting focused on harmonizing perspectives to ensure coordinated and effective mediation actions aligned with the AU’s vision.
Also participating were Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Huang Xia, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region; and Ronald Hawkins, U.S. Ambassador to Togo.
Faure Gnassingbé Engages Special Envoys Supporting Peace Efforts in the DRC
Lomé has increasingly become a diplomatic hub, hosting meetings with special envoys committed to advancing peace, security, and international cooperation. President Gnassingbé received, among others, UN Special Envoy Huang Xia; EU Special Representative Johan Borgstam; and Angolan Foreign Minister Antonio Tete.
Huang Xia praised the Togolese-led mediation as essential in addressing the root causes of instability and lauded the successful organization of the second edition of the Peace and Security Forum.
EU envoy Johan Borgstam reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to fully support the ongoing mediation efforts led by President Gnassingbé.
Faure Gnassingbé and Emmanuel Macron Rally the International Community
As part of his mediation mandate, President Gnassingbé has also mobilized international partners. On 30 October 2025, in Paris, he co-chaired with French President Emmanuel Macron a major conference aimed at securing increased support for peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region amid an escalating humanitarian crisis.
The conference called on bilateral, multilateral, and humanitarian partners to step up their assistance to affected populations and back ongoing political and security initiatives.
President Gnassingbé stressed the need for peace built on economic justice and the restoration of territories devastated by war and illegal mining activities.
President Macron, for his part, highlighted the importance of strengthening African leadership in conflict resolution and praised President Gnassingbé’s vision and determination.
Synergy with the United States and Qatar
The President of the Council also intensified discussions with key partners including the United States and Qatar. Consultations held in Washington and Doha resulted in several preliminary agreements and cooperation commitments designed to bolster political, security, and humanitarian support for the Great Lakes.
A Significant Presence in Washington on December 4, 2025
President Gnassingbé’s participation in Washington on 4 December 2025 marks a significant diplomatic signal, reflecting both the strength of Togo’s strategic partnership with the United States and the international recognition of his mediation mandate.
The United States remains a critical actor supporting the highest-level mediation initiatives aimed at fostering a credible, coordinated, and sustainable peace process.
Source : presidenceduconseil.gouv.tg
