The ninth round of talks between AFC/M23 and DR Congo, facilitated by Qatar, concluded on April 17 in Switzerland with an agreement on implementing a long-delayed prisoner exchange. ALSO READ: DR Congo-AFC/M23 talks: Details of new deal emerge The five-day discussions focused on humanitarian access, ceasefire oversight, and prisoner release. The parties agreed to execute the prisoner exchange, one of eight key protocols underpinning a final peace deal, within ten days. By April 26, more than 300 AFC/M23 detainees and 166 government-held prisoners are expected to be released. ALSO READ: What hope do peace talks in Geneva offer for DR Congo? Disputed figures The exchange revives commitments first formalised in September 2025. While AFC/M23 has previously released several batches of prisoners, including 5000 in a recent gesture, if the new commitment is implemented, it will mark Kinshasa's first reciprocal release since the talks began. According to the rebel movement, an initial list of more than 700 detainees was submitted to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). “The ICRC confirmed the presence of 311 physically,” AFC/M23 spokesperson Oscar Balinda told The New Times on Sunday, April 19. Balinda said those in AFC/M23 custody are mostly fighters captured on the frontlines, while those in government detention are civilians abducted since the conflict began in 2021. “We also had some specific names we demanded, but they are nowhere to be found,” he said, adding that the ICRC would continue verifying their whereabouts. ALSO READ: AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa states four reasons why his movement is fighting Tshisekedi govt Balinda further indicated that the total number of AFC/M23-affiliated detainees in Kinshasa remains unclear, as families continue to report new arrests. “The ICRC will receive these individuals and transport them to us, and we will do the same for those returning to Kinshasa,” he said. Despite delays, Balinda described the step as significant for detainees held far from home under difficult conditions. “Some have been in detention more than 2,000 kilometres away from their homes. Some have health complications, and some have died in detention. It has taken too long,” he said. The arrangement does not, however, address individuals who have opted to remain in AFC/M23-controlled areas, including fighters integrated into its ranks. ALSO READ: Fresh attacks reported in DR Congo hours before peace talks resume Ceasefire monitoring framework The talks also advanced implementation of the ceasefire protocol, another pillar of the peace process. Although a ceasefire monitoring agreement was signed in October 2025, hostilities have persisted. AFC/M23 accuses Congolese forces (FARDC) and allied groups, including Burundian troops, mercenaries, the Kinshasa-backed FDLR militia, Wazalendo and other militias of continued attacks. Drone and artillery attacks and blockades continue to affect civilian populations such as the Banyamulenge community in Minembwe, South Kivu. ALSO READ: Banyamulenge take Burundi govt to court over abuses in Minembwe A key development in Switzerland was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding enabling the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) to operate in the current context, which now includes the rebel movement. “The EJVM normally works with state actors and required an MoU before proceeding in a setting that includes us,” Balinda explained. The EJVM, a regional security mechanism under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), will oversee ceasefire compliance, investigate violations, and produce weekly reports. It will include representatives from both parties, supported by the UN mission MONUSCO, African Union observers, and other mediators, with full access to the frontlines. ALSO READ: What we know as M23, DR Congo set up ceasefire monitoring team The EJVM team is expected to begin operations once final logistical arrangements are agreed. “They will determine the composition of the team and clarify operational procedures before deployment,” Balinda said. He added that effective ceasefire enforcement would create conditions for addressing the remaining protocols. “Once the ceasefire holds, discussions can proceed with the other five protocols and ultimately a final peace agreement,” he said. ALSO READ: AFC/M23, DR Congo sign ceasefire monitoring mandate in Doha Humanitarian access and legal commitments Negotiations also addressed issues of humanitarian access and judicial protections, though no formal agreement was reached. Balinda said disagreements emerged over proposals such as reopening Goma International Airport, which the movement opposed over security concerns. Despite this, a joint statement reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to the international humanitarian law, the human rights law, and refugee convention, as well as constitutional principles. “The parties agreed to refrain from any attack, destruction or removal of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population,” read the joint statement released on Friday. It mentions protections for food supplies, water systems, health facilities, schools, and critical infrastructure. The parties further emphasised safeguarding humanitarian operations and ensuring assistance reaches civilians without interference. The current peace framework prioritises civilian protection, including measures to prevent violence, exploitation, and abuse, particularly against women and children. ALSO READ: What next after AFC/M23-EU talks? However, AFC/M23 maintains that humanitarian conditions in areas under its control remain stable. “There is no humanitarian crisis in our zones,” Balinda said, adding that 11 UN agencies, over 100 international NGOs, and 633 local organisations operate in these areas. “The protocol would allow additional organisations wishing to operate there,” he added. With two protocols now moving toward implementation and groundwork laid for ceasefire monitoring, attention shifts to the next phase of negotiations. Balinda said the parties are awaiting a call from mediators to begin the 10th round of talks as the next step toward a comprehensive settlement to the conflict in eastern DR Congo.
