Kinshasa transfers 15 prisoners to rebel alliance in eastern DRC

Kinshasa announced on Monday that the Congolese authorities have transferred 15 detainees to the command of the rebel coalition known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group that has been active in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo for more than a decade. The handover, carried out at a military checkpoint on the outskirts of the capital, was said to be part of a broader security agreement negotiated between the government and the rebel alliance after weeks of clandestine talks aimed at reducing hostilities in the region. Officials from the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the prisoners, all convicted of crimes ranging from illegal mining to armed robbery, were moved under the supervision of a joint monitoring team composed of Congolese soldiers and ADF representatives.

The transfer has drawn attention from regional observers and international partners, who have called for transparent verification mechanisms to ensure that the detainees' rights are respected and that the arrangement does not embolden the rebel group. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a statement urging both parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and to prioritize the safety of civilians in ongoing conflict zones. The government reiterated that the decision was intended to facilitate dialogue and foster stability, while the ADF pledged to treat the transferred individuals in accordance with the agreed terms.