DRC east conflict escalation draws international concern

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has transferred a group of prisoners to the M23 rebel faction operating in the eastern regions, marking a long-awaited step in the stalled peace process. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed the handover of 15 individuals, though no details about their identities or roles were disclosed.

Escalating tensions in eastern DRC

Eastern DRC has been engulfed in violence for over three decades, with the M23 seizing control of significant territory in North Kivu and Ituri provinces since 2021. Reports suggest external support for the group, particularly from Rwanda and its military forces. In August 2024, Kinshasa imposed death sentences on dozens accused of backing the M23, including some tried in absentia.

Peace process stalls and resumes

In September 2025, government representatives and M23 negotiators signed a prisoner exchange agreement in Doha, Qatar, but implementation stalled due to persistent disagreements. A renewed commitment emerged during talks in Switzerland in April, where both sides pledged to release detainees as part of confidence-building measures.

Between Thursday and Friday, the ICRC facilitated the transfer of 15 individuals released by Congolese authorities to the M23. The operation, conducted amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, adhered strictly to health protocols to prevent further spread of the virus.

The handover aligns with the Doha mechanism signed in 2025, though the lack of transparency regarding the prisoners’ identities leaves many questions unanswered. The move is seen as a tentative breakthrough in a conflict that has defied resolution for years.

By Pierre Tchuente — Security and Policy Analyst