DR Congo: M23 threatens to boycott peace process over prisoners
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Tensions rise as M23 rebels warn of boycotting peace talks unless prisoners are released.
M23 Threatens Peace Deal Boycott Over Prisoner Dispute in DR Congo
Subheading: M23 Demands Prompt Prisoner Release Ahead of Doha Talks
The M23 rebel movement, which holds vast territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has issued a warning that it may boycott the upcoming peace negotiations unless the Kinshasa government fulfills its promise to release prisoners. The warning comes just weeks before negotiations are set to resume in Doha on August 8, under Qatari mediation.
At a press briefing on Friday, M23’s permanent secretary and negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa expressed frustration over Kinshasa’s delay in implementing a key clause of the recently signed Declaration of Principles. The agreement includes a provision for the immediate release of prisoners before moving forward with further dialogue.
Subheading: Signed Declaration Fails to Hold Truce
The declaration, which both sides agreed to earlier this month, was meant to serve as a roadmap toward a lasting peace agreement by August 18. It also called for an immediate ceasefire. However, the truce quickly crumbled, with both parties accusing each other of violating the terms.
“What will we do in Doha if our prisoners are not yet released, because it is written in the declaration that this clause must be implemented before moving on to the next stage,” Mbonimpa questioned during the press conference.
Subheading: Rising Tensions in Kivu Provinces
Despite the peace talks, clashes have continued in North and South Kivu provinces between M23 fighters and the Wazalendo self-defense militias, who are aligned with the Congolese army. The renewed fighting has raised concerns about the sincerity of the parties involved in the peace process.
Mbonimpa reiterated that M23 would only act in self-defense, placing blame on the Congolese government and its allied forces. “As I said in the briefing, if the Wazalendo attack us, we will observe and declare that it is the Kinshasa government that is attacking us,” he said.
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Subheading: Peace Hopes Dimming in Goma
In the city of Goma, home to over two million residents and which fell into rebel control in January, citizens are growing disillusioned with the peace process. For many, the repeated outbreaks of violence and political promises without results have diminished hopes for real change.
A local resident, Amani Safari, voiced skepticism about the progress being made. “We’re still waiting for the ongoing clashes and other issues to be resolved, but we’re waiting for them to speak and for agreements to have been reached,” he said.
Another Goma resident, Bisimwa Alame, called for urgent action and genuine peace. “This war situation is unnecessary and does not contribute to development,” he said. “All I hope for is an agreement so the country can return to peace and unity.”
Subheading: Doha Talks Seen as Critical Juncture
The direct talks in Doha are widely seen as a critical opportunity to end the prolonged violence that has destabilized eastern DRC. International mediators and local leaders stress that this next round of negotiations must go beyond symbolic agreements and deliver tangible commitments.
Observers warn that failure to implement existing agreements, especially prisoner releases, risks derailing the fragile peace process and deepening mistrust between the parties.
For those monitoring developments in the region, the success of the upcoming talks could mark a decisive shift from cycles of violence and political gridlock to real steps toward peace.
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