Eastern drc peace efforts: Kinshasa releases first group of m23 prisoners
Congolese authorities have transferred 15 detainees to the M23 anti-government group, which operates in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move represents a long-anticipated initial step in the ongoing peace process, as confirmed by the Red Cross on Friday.
The statement issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did not disclose any specific details regarding the identities or roles of the individuals who were released.
The eastern region of the DRC has been plagued by persistent violence for more than three decades. Since 2021, the M23 group, reportedly backed by Rwanda and its military, has gained control over significant areas within the North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the country’s east and northeast. In August 2024, the government in Kinshasa sentenced dozens of individuals to death for their alleged support of the M23, with some convictions made in absentia.
A prisoner exchange mechanism was initially signed in Doha, Qatar, in September 2025 by the Congolese government and the M23. However, this agreement had remained unfulfilled until now, largely due to ongoing disagreements between the involved parties. Earlier in April, the warring factions had reiterated their commitment to releasing prisoners following discussions held in Switzerland.
Between Thursday and Friday, the ICRC played a crucial role, facilitating the transportation of 15 individuals released by Congolese authorities and their subsequent handover to the M23, as outlined in the organization’s communiqué. The statement did not specify who these individuals were. This operation was conducted within the framework of the Doha mechanism, which was initially agreed upon by the parties in September 2025.
Furthermore, an Ebola epidemic continues to affect the eastern regions of the DRC. The ICRC confirmed that this recent operation was carried out with strict adherence to all necessary disease prevention protocols.
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