Violences dans l’est de la RDC – Un premier groupe de prisonniers remis au M23 par Kinshasa
Congolese authorities have handed over 15 individuals to the M23 anti-government group, active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This significant move, confirmed by the Red Cross on Friday, marks a long-anticipated initial step in the ongoing peace process for the region.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) statement did not disclose any specific details regarding the identities or roles of the individuals released.
The eastern regions of the DRC have been plagued by persistent violence for over three decades. Since 2021, the M23 rebel movement has significantly expanded its control, seizing vast areas within the Nord-Kivu and Ituri provinces, reportedly with the backing of Rwanda and its armed forces. In August 2024, Kinshasa had issued death sentences to dozens of individuals, some in absentia, for their alleged support of the M23.
A prisoner exchange mechanism was initially agreed upon by the Congolese government and the M23 in Doha, Qatar, in September 2025. However, this agreement had remained unfulfilled until now due to various disagreements between the warring parties. Earlier this year, in April, both sides reiterated their commitment to releasing prisoners following discussions held in Switzerland.
Between Thursday and Friday, the ICRC confirmed it “facilitated the transportation of 15 individuals released by the Congolese authorities and their handover” to the M23. The organization emphasized that this operation was conducted as part of the Doha mechanism signed by the parties in September 2025.
Furthermore, the ICRC highlighted that the exchange operation was carried out with strict adherence to preventative measures against the Ebola epidemic, which continues to affect eastern DRC regions.
