The rebel coalition AFC/M23 has announced the release of more than 5,000 fighters captured during battles against the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, the released individuals include soldiers from the FARDC and members of the Wazalendo militia who had been detained at different stages of the conflict.
Kanyuka said the fighters were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on March 2, 2026, in Rumangabo, located in North Kivu Province.
The ICRC will facilitate their transfer to Kinshasa where they are expected to be handed back to the Congolese authorities.
AFC/M23 said the move demonstrates its commitment to confidence-building measures and humanitarian principles aimed at reducing tensions in the ongoing conflict.
However, the group accused authorities in Kinshasa of failing to reciprocate the gesture by continuing to detain its members and other individuals it claims were arrested arbitrarily.
Kanyuka also alleged that the Congolese government has violated ceasefire arrangements and continues military operations against AFC/M23 while civilians and their property are affected by the fighting.
The coalition urged regional mediators and international partners to closely monitor the situation, warning that continued violations of ceasefire commitments risk prolonging the conflict and worsening the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo.
