Release of 15 M23-AFC detainees: a clear step forward in the Doha process (Pierre Matadi)

Kinshasa, August 9^th, 2026 (CPA).- The authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have handed over on Friday, via the International Committee of the Red Cross, 15 detainees linked to the M23-AFC, which constitutes a clear step forward in the implementation of the commitments made under the Doha process. This process has been launched with the signing of a Declaration of Principles on July 19^th, 2025, and then formalized by a framework agreement on November 15^th, 2025, between the Congolese government and the M23-AFC rebel group, under the mediation of Qatar. The handover of detainees, which took place on August 6^th and 7^th, was part of the commitments made between Kinshasa and this rebel group regarding the issue of detainees and confidence-building measures negotiated under Qatari mediation. This operation is a step likely to contribute to ‘strengthening trust between the parties’, according to the Qataris. The Congolese government has considered, in a press release that “this release marks a new stage in the gradual implementation of the commitments agreed in Doha”. These commitments centre on the Declaration of Principles, relating in particular to compliance with the ceasefire and the operationalization of the mechanism for monitoring and verifying it. Despite DRC’s good faith, the Rwanda’s repeated violations of the ceasefire and the continued hostile actions in the east of the country are hindering the implementation of these commitments. It is up to Kigali to commit itself to creating conditions conducive to a lasting cessation of hostilities in eastern Congo and in the region. Washington, which has welcomed this development, has encouraged the parties to continue implementing the commitments they have made. However, for Kinshasa, the release of detainees constitutes a gesture intended to support the political process, without calling into question the need to guarantee security and justice. ACP/