Eastern DRC violence escalates as prisoners handed to M23

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has transferred 15 prisoners to the M23 rebel group, marking a long-awaited step in the fragile peace process. The announcement came via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday, though no details about the identities or roles of the detainees were disclosed.

Decades of unrest fuel ongoing conflict

The eastern regions of the DRC have endured over three decades of violence, with the M23 insurgency seizing control of vast territories in North Kivu and Ituri provinces since 2021. Reports indicate the group has received support from neighboring Rwanda and its military forces. In August 2024, Kinshasa imposed death sentences on dozens accused of backing the M23, including some tried in absentia.

Prisoner exchange mechanism finally activated

After months of stalled negotiations, the Congolese government and M23 agreed in September 2025 to a prisoner exchange framework in Doha, Qatar. Despite initial delays due to unresolved disputes, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to prisoner releases during talks in Switzerland this April. The ICRC confirmed that between Thursday and Friday, it facilitated the transfer of 15 individuals released by Congolese authorities to the M23, though their identities remain undisclosed. The operation was framed within the Doha mechanism signed last year.

Health precautions taken amid Ebola outbreak

The eastern DRC is grappling with a severe Ebola epidemic, prompting strict preventive measures during the prisoner handover. The ICRC assured that the operation adhered to all health protocols to curb the spread of the virus.

Peace efforts face persistent challenges

While the prisoner exchange signals a tentative step toward de-escalation, the broader conflict in eastern DRC continues unabated. The region’s instability remains a critical concern for regional stability and humanitarian efforts, with no immediate resolution in sight.