UN Reaffirms Support for Faure Gnassingbé's Mediation in Eastern DRC

African Union mediator Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé has intensified efforts to coordinate peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following a high-level meeting with senior United Nations officials in Lomé. According to a report by Actualité.cd, the UN reaffirmed its support for the Togolese leader's mediation role during talks held on June 8.

The discussions brought together James Swan, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in the DRC and head of MONUSCO, and Huang Xia, the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region.

The meeting focused on the progress of ongoing diplomatic initiatives and ways the United Nations can support African Union-led efforts toward a lasting settlement of the crisis in eastern Congo.

According to the Togolese presidency, both UN officials welcomed Togo's commitment to promoting peace, stability and the peaceful resolution of conflicts across Africa.

They also pledged continued support for Gnassingbé's role as the African Union's designated mediator, a position he assumed after succeeding Angolan President João Lourenço in the regional peace process.

The meeting took place alongside a biannual review of mediation efforts in the Great Lakes region, reflecting growing international efforts to align diplomatic initiatives.

Togo has increasingly emerged as a central platform for consultations involving the African Union, the United Nations and regional stakeholders seeking a coordinated approach to the conflict.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains fragile. The implementation of agreements reached through various initiatives, including the Washington process and talks facilitated by Qatar in Doha, continues to face obstacles as key parties remain divided over major provisions and commitments.

Kinshasa continues to accuse Rwanda of supporting the AFC/M23 rebellion, an allegation Kigali denies and accepts sometimes . Meanwhile, mediators face the challenge of narrowing the gap between diplomatic commitments and realities on the ground, where violence and displacement continue to affect communities across eastern Congo.

The renewed backing from the United Nations is expected to strengthen ongoing African Union efforts as regional and international actors seek to revive momentum toward a durable political and security solution.