Democratic Republic of Congo and AFC/M23 Rebels Agree to Ten Day Prisoner Release and Humanitarian Corridor

The DR Congo government and AFC/M23 group sign an agreement in Switzerland to release prisoners in 10 days and facilitate humanitarian aid in eastern DRC.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 6:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from FRANCE 24

Diplomatic Breakthrough Reached During Montreux Negotiations

A significant diplomatic milestone was announced on Sunday, April 19, 2026, as the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the AFC/M23 group concluded five days of talks in Montreux, Switzerland. The two sides reached a formal agreement to ease the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians trapped in the eastern provinces. This development follows years of territorial expansion by the Rwanda-backed rebel group, which has displaced millions and caused a severe humanitarian crisis since its resurgence in 2021.

Commitment to Prisoner Exchange and Confidence Building

As a cornerstone of the new agreement, both parties have committed to the release of prisoners within a ten-day window. This measure is intended to serve as a vital confidence-building step between the Kinshasa government and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the political arm of the M23. The statement, co-signed by mediators from Qatar, Switzerland, and the African Union, emphasizes that the release of detainees is essential for maintaining the momentum of the ongoing peace process.

Legal Obligations and Civilian Protection Mandates

The joint declaration explicitly outlines the obligations of both warring parties under international humanitarian and human rights law. The DRC government and the AFC/M23 have pledged to refrain from any attacks on objects indispensable to civilian survival, including food supplies, livestock, water systems, and energy infrastructure. Furthermore, the parties agreed to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and to prevent the pillaging or diversion of aid convoys intended for impacted territories.