The ICRC Receives a Copy of the Mechanism for the Release of Detainees Linked to the Conflict Between the DRC and the Congo River Coalition
Doha, September 15, 2025
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has received a signed copy of the mechanism for the release of detainees linked to the conflict between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance, known as the "March 23 Movement," as part of its role as a neutral intermediary between the parties to the conflict.
The handover ceremony took place in Doha, attended by officials from the State of Qatar, in its capacity as a mediator, alongside representatives from the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance.
The signing of the mechanism for the release of detainees between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance represents a significant milestone towards enhancing opportunities for achieving sustainable peace in eastern Congo. Under this mechanism, the International Committee of the Red Cross assumes the role of a neutral intermediary to facilitate the identification, verification, and secure release of detainees held by both sides.
This agreement comes as the culmination of successful talks hosted in Doha, where delegations convened to review the implementation of the Doha Principles Agreement signed last July.
It is noteworthy that the International Committee of the Red Cross assisted, during the period from 30 April to 15 May of the previous year, in the transfer of more than 1,300 disarmed personnel from the Congolese government forces, along with their family members, from the city of Goma to the capital, Kinshasa.