Doha Peace Process: 15 Detainees Released in DR Congo

Qatar has welcomed the release of 15 detainees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) under a mechanism established through the Doha Peace Process.

The detainees were released by authorities in the country and handed over to the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) in accordance with the detainee-release mechanism signed in Doha last September.

The development marks another step in Qatar’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to support peace, stability and confidence-building in eastern DR Congo.

ICRC Facilitates Safe Transfer

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of the detainees.

The group left the government-controlled city of Beni in a convoy on Thursday evening before travelling through Uganda. They were subsequently handed over to the alliance in Rutshuru territory in eastern DR Congo.

Stephanie Eller, Head of Operations for the ICRC in Kinshasa, expressed hope that the operation would provide relief to families who had been separated from their relatives for an extended period.

Qatar Welcomes Confidence-Building Step

The State of Qatar welcomed the release, describing it as an important step towards building confidence between the parties and creating conditions for further progress towards peaceful and sustainable solutions.

Doha said the development could contribute to broader efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in eastern DR Congo while supporting the aspirations of the Congolese people.

Qatar also praised the ICRC for its role in implementing the detainee-release mechanism and ensuring the safe transportation and handover of the individuals in accordance with humanitarian principles.

Qatar Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue

Qatar renewed its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the parties involved in the conflict.

The country said its efforts remain consistent with its longstanding approach of supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts and promoting regional security and stability.

Doha expressed hope that the release would encourage additional confidence-building measures and contribute to further progress in the peace process.

Qatar Continues Engagement in DR Congo Peace Process

Qatar’s mediation efforts form part of a wider diplomatic engagement aimed at supporting peace in eastern DR Congo.

On July 26, Qatar participated in a coordination and planning meeting of the High-Level Facilitators and the Independent Joint Secretariat to prepare an implementation action plan for the peace process.

The meeting was held in Gaborone, Botswana, with Qatar represented by Dr. Ali bin Ghanem Al Hajri, Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Qatar’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Saad bin Mubarak Al Nuaimi and Adviser Abdullah bin Hamad Al Nuaimi.

Focus on Ceasefire and Detainee Mechanisms

During the meeting, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to establish peace in eastern DR Congo.

The Qatari delegation highlighted ongoing work under the Doha track, including efforts to operationalise the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.

Qatar also stressed continued cooperation with the ICRC on the detainee exchange mechanism and work towards completing negotiations on the remaining protocols under the Doha framework.

Qatar Works With Regional and International Partners

Qatar said it continues to work closely with the parties involved, in coordination with the United States and Togo, which serves as the African Union mediator.

Doha emphasised the importance of strengthening the African-led peace process under the framework of the African Union.

Qatar also reiterated that dialogue remains the most effective path towards resolving conflicts and achieving lasting stability.

Qatari Mediation Extends Beyond Africa

Qatar’s mediation efforts have previously focused on a range of international and regional crises.

These efforts have included supporting ceasefires, facilitating prisoner and hostage exchanges, restoring diplomatic relations, supporting national dialogues, addressing border disputes and strengthening humanitarian initiatives.

The country has positioned mediation and peaceful dispute resolution as central elements of its foreign policy.

Peaceful Mediation as a Pillar of Qatar’s Foreign Policy

Qatar continues to promote mediation as a means of bringing conflicting parties together and creating channels for dialogue, even during periods of heightened tension.

The country describes its mediation approach as being based on patience, flexibility and credibility, allowing it to maintain engagement with different parties during complex conflicts.

Qatar also considers peaceful dispute resolution to be rooted in its constitutional framework. Article 7 of the Qatari Constitution states that the country’s foreign policy is based on strengthening international peace and security through the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Continued Push for Lasting Peace

The release of the 15 detainees represents another confidence-building measure under the Doha Peace Process.

Qatar has said it will continue working with regional and international partners to support dialogue, humanitarian efforts and sustainable peace in eastern DR Congo, with the broader objective of contributing to security, stability and development in the region.