Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has released 15 detainees to the AFC/M23 movement in eastern Congo, which is reported to be the first known release under the Doha peace framework.
The release was conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and is a huge step towards implementation of the agreements made by the Congolese government and AFC/M23 during ongoing peace talks over the situation in eastern DRC.
Detainees were evacuated from Beni in the North Kivu Province of Congo on August 6 and transported through Uganda to Rutshuru Territory, where the transfer to AFC/M23 took place on August 7.
How the Release of Detainees Was Conducted
According to the ICRC statement, 15 people agreed to be released and were handed over to AFC/M23 as part of the Doha Mechanism that was established under the September 2025 agreement between the two sides.
The convoy moved through Uganda before arriving in Rutshuru, where the detainees were officially transferred to AFC/M23.
The entire process was coordinated through health officials due to the current Ebola epidemic in the area.
A Uganda Red Cross ambulance was part of the convoy in case of any urgent medical needs.
“The transfer followed Ebola prevention procedures aimed at minimizing the risks of Ebola contagion,” the ICRC said in a statement.
ICRC Welcomes First Known Transfer
The ICRC was the neutral intermediary in the transfer process and assisted with the safe transportation of the detainees.
Stephanie Eller, ICRC Operations Coordinator in Kinshasa, believes that the operation may offer hope to the families who have been parted from their family members in the conflict.
Moreover, this transfer may give a chance for further releases of detainees as agreed upon in previous discussions.
Previously, the ICRC has been involved in various humanitarian missions in conflict areas, including movements of the people affected by armed conflicts.
What is the Doha Peace Process?
The Doha Process seeks to ease the intensity of the war in eastern DRC, as well as create mechanisms that will be used in implementing the agreements made between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23.
Discussions in this process have revolved around the possibility of a ceasefire, as well as other security and humanitarian issues meant to minimize the effects of the war on civilians.
This is important because the release of the detainees brings one of the agreements made in the discussions into action.
If the peace process is to continue, it may include the release of more detainees as confidence-building measures by both sides.
War in Eastern Congo Continues
The move comes against the backdrop of many years of violence in eastern DRC.
The war involving the Congolese army and the various armed groups has led to the displacement of many people, thus creating a humanitarian crisis in areas such as North Kivu and South Kivu.
AFC/M23 has gained control over much of eastern Congo following its last military offensive, while the Kinshasa government has been opposing it.
Rwanda Refutes Allegations of Backing M23
Several entities, among them the Congolese administration, have alleged that Rwanda was backing the AFC/M23 rebellion by providing troops and weaponry to the group.
While Kigali has been denying these allegations, it cites concerns about security at its borders with eastern Congo because of the presence of groups posing threats to its sovereignty.
The conflict between Kinshasa and Kigali has made efforts towards achieving a sustainable peace extremely difficult, which is why such diplomatic initiatives as the Doha Process become very important.
More Prisoners to Be Released?
According to the ICRC, the latest prisoner exchange might become a basis for future release operations that could be made as part of the negotiations conducted within the Doha framework.
These exchanges might work as confidence-building measures provided that both sides uphold their agreements. Nonetheless, many difficulties remain for the process of peace.
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