M23 Rebels Say They Have Freed More Than 5,000 Congolese Soldiers

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1733 EAT on Tuesday 10 March 2026

The March 23 Movement (M23) rebels say they have released more than 5,000 soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in a move the group described as a confidence-building gesture aimed at easing tensions with the government in Kinshasa.

The soldiers were reportedly captured across multiple fronts in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. M23 said that after the fall of Goma in January 2025, thousands of FARDC troops were taken to the rebel camp in Rumangabo.

Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the handover occurred on March 2, 2026, at the Rumangabo camp. He described the release as a humanitarian act, intended to signal M23’s commitment to international humanitarian law and measures to build trust with the Congolese government.

“The Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23) has once again handed over more than 5,000 FARDC soldiers captured on various fronts to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),” rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said in a statement.

He added that the soldiers would be repatriated under ICRC supervision. However, Kanyuka accused the government in Kinshasa of refusing to release detained M23/AFC fighters and other individuals he said had been arbitrarily arrested. He also alleged that government forces continue to violate ceasefire agreements and target civilians, warning that the bloodshed of Congolese citizens “will not be ignored nor swept under the rug.”

In late February 2026, the rebel group announced the release of 40 minors, about 100 women, and 230 FARDC soldiers following humanitarian discussions with Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib.

According to M23, the minors and women had been recruited by FARDC but captured during fighting, while the wounded soldiers were treated at Katindo Military Hospital.

Despite the reported releases, fighting continues in eastern Congo. On Sunday, residents reported that FARDC forces and allied troops used kamikaze drones to strike areas including Gakenke and Kalingi, causing panic and displacement among civilians. On Saturday, government forces also reportedly shelled M23/AFC positions in Mushaki.

The renewed clashes follow tensions triggered by reports that M23/AFC political spokesperson Willy Ngoma was killed in a drone strike by FARDC in Rubaya. The escalation casts doubt on whether ongoing peace talks in Doha will yield a breakthrough.

Since its resurgence in 2022 under leaders Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultan Makenga, M23/AFC has repeatedly exchanged accusations with the Congolese government over ceasefire violations.

Kinshasa has consistently accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, allegations denied by both Kigali and the M23 movement.

The group says its objective is to fight corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the country’s political leadership. In early 2025, it launched a major offensive across eastern Congo, capturing several towns and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

-Observer

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here