Congo peace talks: 15 prisoners handed over to m23 in historic exchange
Authorities in Kinshasa have completed the transfer of 15 detainees to the M23 rebel group—the first such exchange since the Doha prisoner swap agreement was signed in 2025. Facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), this handover marks a meaningful step forward in peace efforts across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
First implementation of the Doha agreement
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed it had arranged the transfer of 15 individuals, released by Congolese authorities to the M23. While the identities of those released remain undisclosed, officials state this move aligns with the prisoner exchange mechanism finalized in Doha in September 2025—a pact that had stalled for months due to deep disagreements between the warring sides. Negotiations in Switzerland this April reignited momentum behind the stalled deal.
Transit through Uganda ensures safe passage
Detainees were relocated from Beni, a city under government control, before passing through Uganda, which permitted transit into M23-controlled territory. The ICRC emphasized strict adherence to health protocols during the operation, particularly as eastern DRC continues to battle an active Ebola outbreak.
Eastern DRC remains a flashpoint of conflict
For years, the M23 has maintained control over vast stretches of eastern DRC, including parts of North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Kigali of providing military support to the rebel coalition, a claim Rwanda has consistently rejected. Though this release signals a fragile gesture of goodwill, lasting peace in the region remains distant amid over three decades of intermittent violence.