The recent transfer of fifteen detainees to the AFC/M23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo represents a significant development, far from an isolated gesture. This operation follows a confidential protocol signed four months prior near Montreux between the AFC/M23 and the International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR). This crucial document ultimately paved the way for this initial transfer, despite earlier setbacks. It is worth noting that this protocol itself was not the first attempt; an initial deadline in April had passed without any releases. Thus, these fifteen individuals became the real-world test for a process already marked by several missed opportunities.

These fifteen men had been held in Beni for several weeks, their presence in the city having been previously observed. Their detention had extended for many months. The CICR, whose mandate strictly covers transportation and handover once individuals are consolidated at a designated point, had not been involved in the earlier stages. Our understanding is that the organization intervenes only when detainees are physically gathered, not before. The precise method by which these fifteen men were transported from Kinshasa to Beni remains ambiguous. Challenges in governmental coordination were noted as a contributing factor to this lack of clarity.