Togo’s president reinforces regional peace efforts at Museveni’s inauguration

The sun blazed over Kampala as official smiles and firm handshakes masked the gravity of Africa’s pressing challenges. On a strategic visit to Uganda on May 12, 2026, Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé arrived not just as a guest of honor for President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration—he came to advance a critical mission that could reshape millions of lives across Africa: restoring peace in the Great Lakes region.

The inauguration ceremony in Kampala was a spectacle of national pride, marked by traditional songs, military parades, and a theme that echoed ambition: ‘Safeguarding achievements and transitioning to an upper-middle-income status.’ African leaders, alongside delegates from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, gathered to celebrate the moment. Yet, beyond the grandeur of the event, a deep and enduring bond between Faure Gnassingbé and Yoweri Museveni took center stage.

In extending his warmest congratulations to Museveni on his re-election in January 2026, Togo’s President underscored a partnership built on mutual trust. Museveni reciprocated the gesture, highlighting the strong economic and political ties between Lomé and Kampala—a relationship that has only strengthened over time.

Diplomacy at the heart of the Great Lakes crisis

Beneath the celebratory atmosphere, the weight of regional instability loomed large. Faure Gnassingbé’s presence in Kampala was more than ceremonial—it carried the urgency of a humanitarian mission. As the African Union’s special envoy for the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, every diplomatic move he makes could mean lives saved or lost.

In his address, Gnassingbé reaffirmed his commitment to relentless dialogue with all stakeholders in the Great Lakes region. Uganda, with its deep understanding of regional dynamics, emerged as a key partner in this effort. Museveni publicly praised Gnassingbé’s ‘constructive diplomacy’, a Togolese approach rooted in quiet negotiation, mutual respect, and a rejection of confrontation.

A partnership that speaks volumes

Inside the halls of Uganda’s presidency, diplomats noted the closeness between the two leaders. Their last one-on-one meeting had taken place just months earlier, in Entebbe, on February 3, 2026. This regular dialogue underscores how Togo has positioned itself as a vital facilitator in Africa’s peacebuilding efforts.

As the festivities in Kampala drew to a close, Gnassingbé’s mission was far from over. Returning to Lomé, he carried with him the confidence that a strong bridge had been reinforced between West Africa and East Africa. This bridge serves a shared purpose: fostering stability and development across the continent. The visit was yet another testament to Togo’s unwavering dedication to African-led solutions in peace and governance.