Violences dans l’est de la RDC – Un premier groupe de prisonniers remis au M23 par Kinshasa
Congolese authorities have handed over 15 detainees to the M23 anti-government group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a long-anticipated initial step in the peace process, the Red Cross confirmed on Friday.
- à Kinshasa, Congo Kin
The communiqué issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did not provide any specific details regarding the identities or roles of the individuals transferred.
For over three decades, the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo have been gripped by persistent violence. The M23 rebel group has expanded its control over significant areas in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces since 2021, reportedly with backing from Rwanda and its military. In August 2024, Kinshasa issued death sentences to dozens of individuals, some in absentia, for their alleged support of the M23.
A prisoner exchange mechanism was formally agreed upon by the Congolese government and the M23 in Doha, Qatar, in September 2025. However, its implementation faced delays until now due to various disagreements between the involved parties. Earlier this year, in April, renewed talks in Switzerland saw both belligerents reaffirm their commitment to releasing prisoners.
The ICRC confirmed that it “facilitated the transport of 15 persons released by the Congolese authorities and their handover” to the M23 between Thursday and Friday. The organization reiterated that this operation was conducted under the framework of the Doha mechanism, which was signed by the parties in September 2025.
Amidst these developments, an Ebola epidemic continues to affect the eastern DRC. The ICRC emphasized that the entire operation was carried out with strict adherence to public health measures designed to prevent the spread of the disease.
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