AU peace push Ex-presidents and Togo’s leader call for talks to end Africa’s conflicts

LOMÉ, Togo — A group of former African presidents joined Togo’s leader this weekend in a renewed push to calm tensions and promote peace across conflict-hit regions of the continent.

Gathering in the capital Lomé on Saturday, the African Union’s Panel of Facilitators held a closed-door session with AU-appointed mediator and Togo’s President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The message that emerged was clear: dialogue must come before discord.

“We remain united in our resolve to build peace,” said former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, speaking on behalf of the panel. “This is not just a diplomatic mission it’s a human one.”

The panel includes a distinguished group of leaders: Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, and Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde. Each brings a wealth of experience in navigating regional crises and political transitions.

Saturday’s discussions focused on ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where clashes between armed groups and government forces continue to displace thousands. The AU panel reiterated support for peacebuilding initiatives in the region, including efforts led by neighbouring countries and regional blocs.

“We’re not here to impose solutions,” said President Gnassingbé, speaking briefly after the meeting. “We are here to help African nations find their own path to peace, through dialogue and mutual respect.”

In recent months, several conflict zones have seen a worrying rise in violence, prompting the African Union to step up its diplomatic efforts. The DRC remains a priority, but the panel is also monitoring fragile situations in Sudan, the Sahel, and parts of the Horn of Africa.

Saturday’s statement from the panel stopped short of naming specific actors but urged “all parties to recommit to peaceful resolution.” It also praised President Gnassingbé’s “dedicated leadership,” noting his “quiet but steady diplomacy” behind the scenes.

Analysts say the meeting signals the AU’s intention to take a more hands-on role amid criticism that its responses to crises have often been slow or muted.

“This kind of high-level engagement is what’s needed,” said Dr. Josephine Mburu, a regional affairs expert based in Nairobi. “But without pressure on governments and armed groups to act, these efforts risk becoming symbolic.”

Still, the panel’s presence sends a message of solidarity, especially to civilians caught in the crossfire. In the words of former CAR President Samba-Panza: “Peace cannot be dictated. It must be nurtured, and it must come from within.”

As Africa faces growing insecurity, from militia violence to political unrest, the AU appears keen to remind its members and the world that diplomacy is not dead. Whether words can be turned into action remains the continent’s greatest challenge.

Get the latest and greatest stories delivered straight to your phone. Subscribe to our Telegram channel today!