The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has issued a firm condition for continuing peace negotiations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government the release of over 700 detainees linked to the conflict. Speaking at a press conference in Goma, M23 representative Benjamin Mbonimpa stated that unless Kinshasa fulfills this demand by July 27, the group will not return to the negotiation table in Doha, Qatar.
The peace process, mediated by Qatar, saw a milestone on July 19 when both parties signed a declaration of principles in Doha. The agreement outlined a roadmap for talks leading to a potential peace accord by August 18. However, Mbonimpa emphasized that the agreed timeline was more symbolic than practical, noting that the conflict’s complexity makes a quick resolution unlikely.
“The implementation of the Doha declaration should come before negotiations,” said Mbonimpa, underscoring that M23 will not withdraw from territories it currently holds in North Kivu Province. The group seized control of Goma, the provincial capital, in late January and has since strengthened its position in the region.
On the other side, the DRC government acknowledged the fragile state of the ongoing peace process. “Today, we are in the most delicate phase … which is leading us toward a soft landing toward peace,” said government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya on Monday.
The conflict has had a devastating humanitarian impact. According to the United Nations, more than 27.8 million people in the DRC are currently facing food insecurity, with over 7 million internally displaced. Many of these individuals have been forced to flee multiple times due to ongoing violence, particularly in the eastern regions.
The demand from M23 adds a critical pressure point to an already fragile peace process. With the deadline for prisoner release fast approaching, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the parties can move closer to ending one of Africa’s most persistent and complex conflicts.
