DRC releases 15 detainees to M23 rebels in first post-deal exchange

In Bukavu, authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo released a group of 15 prisoners and transferred them to the AFC/M23 insurgents, the first known exchange since the peace deal brokered in Qatar last year. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the operation, noting that the detainees departed Beni on Thursday evening, traveled via Uganda, and were handed over in the Rutshuru area of eastern Congo.

While the ICRC cannot confirm the prisoners’ affiliation with the rebels, the group agreed to receive them. The move follows prolonged talks to determine the identities of those to be freed under the agreement. Stephanie Eller, head of ICRC operations in Kinshasa, expressed hope that the swap would reunite families separated by the conflict. An AFC/M23 representative has not yet provided comment, and the transfer occurs amid ongoing accusations that neighboring Rwanda supports the insurgency, a claim Rwanda denies.