The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has accused the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo of failing to implement commitments on the release of its detainees, 10 days after a peace agreement was signed.
The agreement, reached in Montreux, was intended to reduce tensions and support confidence-building measures as part of ongoing peace efforts in eastern DR Congo.
AFC/M23 says the deadline for releasing detainees has now expired without any prisoners being freed.
Speaking to the media, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the commitments made by Kinshasa have not been fulfilled.
“On 17 April 2026 in Montreux, the Kinshasa authorities committed to release, within ten days, AFC-M23 prisoners and civilians arrested in connection with our movement. As of 28 April 2026, the deadline had passed and no release had taken place,” he said.
The reasons for the delay remain unclear, although reports point to possible disagreements over lists of detainees and security concerns on both sides. Some observers also cite internal political challenges within the DRC as a possible factor.
The agreement had been supported by international partners, including the African Union, the United States, and Qatar, who have been backing efforts to stabilize eastern DR Congo through dialogue.
The lack of progress is seen as a setback to the peace process and could slow broader negotiations aimed at restoring stability in North and South Kivu.
No joint statement has yet been issued explaining the delay, while mediators are expected to continue engaging both sides to push for implementation of the agreement.
