M23 threatens to suspend ceasefire if Congo misses prisoner release deadline

M23 rebels threaten to suspend ceasefire efforts if Kinshasa fails to release prisoners by Sunday, accusing the Congolese government of blocking peace.

The M23 rebel group has threatened to withdraw from a ceasefire agreement if the Congolese government fails to release its prisoners by Sunday, warning that Kinshasa, not the rebels, would be responsible for the collapse of peace efforts.

Speaking at a news conference in Goma on Friday, M23 leaders reaffirmed their interpretation of the Washington Agreement, signed last month between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The deal, brokered by the United States, calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops within 90 days, the dismantling of FDLR militia support, and the establishment of joint security and regional integration frameworks.

Benjamin Mbonimpa, Permanent Secretary of AFC-M23 and head of the rebel delegation to Doha, said the group would fully comply with the ceasefire if Kinshasa meets its commitments. “If our prisoners are released within the 10-day deadline, we will invite the Joint Verification Mechanism to oversee the ceasefire,” he said. “If not, Kinshasa will be the one blocking progress, not us.”

The remarks come just days after M23 and Congolese officials signed a separate Declaration of Principles in Doha on July 19, which outlines a formal peace process to be completed by August 18.

The Congolese government and Rwandan authorities have not publicly responded to the latest statements, leaving several key issues unresolved, including timelines for troop withdrawals, prisoner exchanges, and the broader enforcement of ceasefire terms in eastern Congo.

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