Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday hosted the President of the Republic of Togo, H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who is in the country on a working visit as part of the African Union–East African Community–Southern African Development Community (AU–EAC–SADC) Panel of Facilitators on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) peace process.
The Panel brings together a group of senior African statespersons tasked with advancing dialogue and coordination efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in eastern DRC. It comprises former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.
President Museveni pledged the region’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, emphasizing dialogue as the central pillar of ongoing mediation efforts under the AU–EAC–SADC framework.
Museveni stated that the current challenge is no longer about territorial fragmentation, but rather unresolved grievances that require honest dialogue and practical, lasting solutions. He further warned that prolonged delays in resolving the conflict remain a major concern for the entire Great Lakes region.
On his part, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo thanked President Museveni for the warm reception and commended Uganda’s consistent leadership and contribution to regional and continental peace initiatives.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo reiterated the importance of African-led solutions to African problems, stressing that while international partners can play a supportive role, sustainable peace must be anchored in Africa’s realities and driven by African ownership of its peace and security agenda.
The visit comes amid renewed regional and continental initiatives to harmonize peace processes and de-escalate tensions in the eastern DRC, which has experienced persistent insecurity driven by armed groups and cross-border dynamics.
