Release of 15 prisoners: gestures of good faith, or a diversion by Kinshasa?

On 7 August 2026, the reception of 15 former detainees at Bunagana by the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) threw into relief the striking contrast between the AFC/M23’s constructive posture and the persistent obstruction of the Kinshasa government. While the AFC/M23 multiplies its pledges of peace, the Congolese government is struggling to honour its most basic commitments.

The AFC/M23 reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. As a sign of good faith, the movement went so far as to withdraw from several captured territories — a bold initiative intended to ease tensions and create an environment conducive to dialogue. The AFC/M23’s struggle is not confined to the military sphere; it is part of a broader vision: the deep establishment of democracy and the construction of a genuine rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Despite these significant gestures, the AFC/M23 denounces Kinshasa’s continued failure to observe the agreements. Of the 15 people released, only 9 appeared on the list of 768 names submitted to the mediation. Moreover, the Kinshasa government obstinately refuses to proceed with the transfer of thousands of government combatants (FARDC and Wazalendo) placed at the disposal of the ICRC for nearly a year. This administrative and political inertia points to a clear intention to obstruct the peace process begun during the various rounds of negotiations.

Faced with this impasse, the AFC/M23 is now demanding full transparency: the handover of a complete, updated list of the remaining detainees, together with a precise timetable for their release. The Kanyuka movement restates its strict attachment to the Doha peace protocol, calling on Kinshasa to abandon this delaying posture and finally answer the democratic aspirations of the Congolese people.