Mariama Hamani
Democratic Republic of the Congo transfers first group of prisoners to M23
Kinshasa has taken a historic step in its peace negotiations by handing over 15 detainees to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels. This unprecedented transfer, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marks the first concrete implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement signed in Doha in 2025.
First execution of the Doha agreement
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed the transfer of 15 detainees from Congolese authorities to M23 representatives. While the identities of the released individuals remain undisclosed, this operation formally initiates the prisoner exchange mechanism established during negotiations in Doha last year. The agreement, which had seen limited progress until now, was revitalized following high-level discussions held in Switzerland earlier this year.
Transit through Uganda ensures safe passage
The released prisoners departed from Beni, a city under government control, before transiting through Uganda to reach an M23-controlled area. The ICRC ensured all health protocols were strictly followed, particularly crucial given the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Peace gesture amid persistent conflict
The M23 has maintained control over significant territories in North Kivu and Ituri provinces for years. Kinshasa continues to allege Rwandan military support for the rebel group, a claim Kigali consistently denies. While this prisoner exchange represents a confidence-building measure between conflicting parties, the path to lasting peace remains challenging in a region scarred by decades of instability.
Boureima Amadou
