DRC Government and AFC/M23 Agree on Prisoner Release and Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism

Kinshasa April 18, 2026 - The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 rebel group have agreed to release more than 400 prisoners within the next 10 days, in a confidence-building measure aimed at strengthening ongoing peace efforts. The agreement was reached during talks held in Switzerland from April 13 to 17, 2026, with support from Qatar and the United States. Under the deal, the Congolese government is expected to release 311 detainees linked to AFC/M23, while the armed group will free 166 individuals held in its custody. Both parties confirmed that the lists of prisoners were compiled with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross, in line with a prior agreement signed on September 14, 2025. In a parallel development, the two sides also agreed on April 14 to establish a new international ceasefire monitoring mechanism, known as EJVM+, composed of three representatives from each side. The structure had initially been proposed during earlier peace talks in Doha, Qatar, but its implementation was delayed amid continued tensions between the parties. According to the agreement, EJVM+ is expected to become operational within one week and will oversee compliance with the ceasefire arrangements. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) is also expected to support monitoring activities. The latest agreements are being presented as part of broader efforts to reduce hostilities and rebuild trust between the government and armed groups operating in eastern DRC, where conflict has persisted for years despite multiple mediation initiatives.