DRC Government and M23 Rebels Near Completion of Major Prisoner Exchange

Mediators in Botswana reported on August 16 that a long-delayed prisoner exchange between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 rebel group is "edging closer" to implementation. While Rwanda-backed M23 forces continue to occupy vast areas of North Kivu, the exchange is viewed as a critical confidence-building measure in the fragile Qatar-mediated peace process. However, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with human rights experts reporting ongoing sexual violence and arbitrary detentions in M23-held territories.

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