AFC/M23 rebels and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the transfer of captured soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), in a move seen as a potential confidence-building step in the ongoing conflict.
The agreement, reached over the weekend of April 11–12, 2026, provides that the soldiers will first be handed over to the ICRC before being transferred to the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The development comes more than a month after AFC/M23 signaled its willingness to release the soldiers. According to available information, many had refused to join the rebel group, while others are currently undergoing medical treatment.
The deal coincides with the resumption of talks between Kinshasa and AFC/M23 in Switzerland, raising cautious optimism over progress in diplomatic efforts.
However, the transfer process remains partially stalled due to logistical and operational constraints that still need to be resolved.
Crucially, the handover will only proceed if the Congolese government agrees to receive the soldiers. Reports suggest there are differing views within government institutions, with some officials calling for verification of the list of soldiers before any transfer is finalized.
The matter is also under discussion in the ongoing negotiations in Switzerland between the two sides.
Analysts view the agreement as a modest but important step toward rebuilding trust between the warring parties, though they caution that a sustainable resolution will depend on continued dialogue and firm commitments to address the root causes of the conflict.
