DRC executes first detainee transfer to M23 under Qatar-brokered peace deal

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has released 15 prisoners to the Congo River Alliance/March 23 movement (AFC/M23) rebels in North Kivu province, marking the first known detainee exchange under the Qatar-mediated peace agreement signed in September last year. The transfer, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), involved a convoy departing from Beni, passing through Uganda, and arriving in Rutshuru Territory.

The handover occurred over Thursday and Friday following months of negotiations to finalise the list of detainees. According to an ICRC statement, the 15 prisoners agreed to the transfer before departing the government-held eastern city of Beni on Thursday evening. The convoy travelled through Uganda before arriving in Rutshuru Territory, where the individuals were handed over to AFC/M23 forces on Friday.

Stephanie Eller, head of ICRC operations in Kinshasa, stated that the operation aimed to bring relief to families separated by the conflict and hoped it would pave the way for further releases. The release of detainees was a central condition of the Qatari-mediated agreement signed by the Congolese government and AFC/M23 in September, which sought to end the fighting that has plagued the region.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the release as a significant confidence-building measure. In a statement, the ministry noted that the transfer creates favourable conditions for further progress toward peaceful and sustainable solutions, expressing hope that this step would serve as an impetus for additional measures to meet the aspirations of the Congolese people for peace and development.

The M23 rebel group seized control of regional capitals in North and South Kivu from the Congolese government in early 2025. The conflict has drawn in regional tensions, with the DRC, the United Nations, and Western powers repeatedly accusing neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23 with troops and weapons. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

The specific status of the 15 prisoners, whether they are combatants, political prisoners, or civilians, has not been specified in the source material. While the ICRC and Qatar view this transfer as a positive development for the peace process, the long-term impact on the broader stability of the region remains uncertain.

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