DR Congo transfers 15 prisoners to M23 rebels in first exchange under peace deal

Aug 7, 2026

The Democratic Republic of the Congo government has transferred 15 consenting prisoners to the AFC/M23 rebel movement in Rutshuru Territory. Facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the convoy traveled from Beni through Uganda on August 6–7, 2026, under strict Ebola prevention protocols. The operation marks the first concrete step under the September 2025 Doha peace framework, following months of delays over a larger planned exchange of nearly 500 detainees.

DRC-M23 prisoner transfer via Uganda

▪The prisoner transfer convoy was accompanied by a Uganda Red Cross ambulance and operated under strict Ebola prevention measures due to an outbreak in eastern DRC.
▪The 15 released prisoners voluntarily consented to the transfer and traveled in an ICRC convoy from Beni on August 6, 2026, through Uganda to Rutshuru Territory.
▪The Democratic Republic of the Congo government released 15 prisoners and transferred them to the AFC/M23 rebel movement on August 7, 2026.

Doha peace process implementation

▪The State of Qatar welcomed the release of the 15 detainees, calling it an important step toward enhancing confidence and creating favorable conditions for sustainable peace.
▪The prisoner transfer represents the first concrete step in implementing the Doha peace framework signed by the DRC government and AFC/M23 in September 2025.

Prisoner exchange protocol delays

▪The DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed in April 2026 to exchange nearly 500 prisoners by April 28, 2026, including 311 held by rebels and 166 held by Kinshasa.
▪The planned April 2026 prisoner exchange was delayed due to disagreements over legal procedures, identity verification, and conditions for simultaneous release.

ICRC humanitarian facilitation role

▪The International Committee of the Red Cross acted as a neutral intermediary to facilitate the safe transport and handover of the 15 released individuals.
▪In May 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer of several hundred disarmed DRC military and police personnel from Goma to Kinshasa.

Eastern DRC conflict context

▪The DRC government, the United Nations, and Western powers accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 insurgency with troops and weapons, which Rwanda denies.
▪The AFC/M23 rebel movement seized regional capitals in North and South Kivu from the Congolese government in early 2025.