By Spy Uganda
Fifteen people released by authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been transferred to the AFC/M23 movement through Uganda in the first known detainee handover under the Doha peace framework aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo.
The humanitarian operation was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), acting as a neutral intermediary under the Doha Mechanism established through an agreement signed by the parties in September 2025.
According to the ICRC, the 15 individuals voluntarily consented to the transfer before leaving Beni in North Kivu Province on August 6. They travelled in an ICRC convoy through Uganda before arriving in Rutshuru Territory, where they were formally handed over to AFC/M23 on August 7.
The organisation said the operation was carefully coordinated to ensure the safety of all those involved.
“The operation was carried out in coordination with the health authorities and in strict compliance with Ebola prevention measures, including the provision of a Uganda Red Cross ambulance to address any medical emergencies,” the ICRC said in a statement.
The transfer represents a significant milestone in implementing commitments made during the Doha peace negotiations and is expected to pave the way for additional detainee releases agreed upon by the parties.
Stephanie Eller, the ICRC’s Head of Operations in Kinshasa, said the operation offers hope to families who have been separated from their loved ones by years of conflict.
“We hope that this operation will bring some comfort to families who have been separated for so long from their loved ones,” Eller said.
“It will pave the way for further detainee release operations, as agreed by the parties during various negotiations, bringing some hope to populations affected by the armed conflicts.”
The Doha Process has focused on securing a ceasefire and promoting humanitarian confidence-building measures between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 as part of broader efforts to reduce violence in eastern DRC.
As a neutral humanitarian organisation, the ICRC has played a central role in facilitating the safe movement and transfer of released detainees while ensuring that operations are conducted in accordance with humanitarian principles.
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced years of armed conflict involving government forces and multiple armed groups, leaving millions of people displaced and triggering one of Africa’s most severe humanitarian crises.
The latest transfer comes amid continued regional efforts to support dialogue and de-escalation in the conflict. The Congolese government and several international actors have accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting AFC/M23 with troops and weapons, allegations that Kigali has consistently denied.
The successful completion of the transfer is being viewed as an important confidence-building measure that could strengthen implementation of the Doha peace agreement and create momentum for further humanitarian initiatives aimed at easing the suffering of conflict-affected communities in eastern Congo.
