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Sunday, Feb 16, 2025
Outside the box.
European Parliament Calls for Suspension of Minerals Agreement with Rwanda Amid DRC Tensions
Escalating violence in North Kivu prompts EU lawmakers to demand action, while the European Commission maintains its commitment to the agreement.
The European Parliament has urged the European Commission to suspend its critical minerals agreement with Rwanda in response to escalating military tensions in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The resolution, adopted on February 13, 2024, received overwhelming support with 443 votes in favor, four against, and 48 abstentions.
MEPs condemned the violence in Goma, where the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwandan defense forces, has been active, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.
The resolution highlights serious human rights violations, including indiscriminate attacks, unlawful killings, and apparent war crimes, which have reportedly resulted in over 3,000 fatalities in the area.
The European Parliament's strong language directs attention to the recent military actions in Goma and other eastern DRC territories, which are rich in valuable minerals.
Despite the call for suspension, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, clarified that the purchase of minerals and rare earths would continue as halting such agreements could counteract human rights obligations upheld by the EU. The continuing procurement is deemed necessary to avoid what Šuica described as potentially 'self-defeating' consequences.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed just one year prior, was part of the EU's broader strategy to secure a sustainable supply of critical materials needed for the ecological transition, distancing EU dependencies from China.
This agreement was intended to enhance Rwanda's mining supply chains through €900 million allocated under the EU's Global Gateway strategy.
Controversy surrounding the MoU escalated after the United Nations reported illicit mineral trades stemming from conflict zones, prompting the DRC President, Félix Tshisekedi, to label the agreement as a provocative act.
MEPs called for a cessation of military support to Rwanda until its ties to the M23 rebel group are severed, emphasizing the importance of halting trade of minerals allegedly sourced from M23-controlled areas.
The European Commission has thus far opted for a pragmatic response, affirming its existing agreement with Rwanda while actively pressing for humanitarian measures.
These include calls for open borders for refugees and aid workers and respect for international humanitarian law, underscoring the need to protect civilians during ongoing conflicts.
Šuica announced accelerated disbursement of an initial €60 million budget for humanitarian assistance in the DRC for 2025.
The Commissioner underscored that EU engagements aim to reinforce safe labor conditions in mineral production to combat issues like child labor.
The Commission contends that abandoning the MoU would complicate efforts to promote responsible mineral sourcing from Rwanda.
The resolution, adopted on February 13, 2024, received overwhelming support with 443 votes in favor, four against, and 48 abstentions.
MEPs condemned the violence in Goma, where the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwandan defense forces, has been active, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.
The resolution highlights serious human rights violations, including indiscriminate attacks, unlawful killings, and apparent war crimes, which have reportedly resulted in over 3,000 fatalities in the area.
The European Parliament's strong language directs attention to the recent military actions in Goma and other eastern DRC territories, which are rich in valuable minerals.
Despite the call for suspension, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, clarified that the purchase of minerals and rare earths would continue as halting such agreements could counteract human rights obligations upheld by the EU. The continuing procurement is deemed necessary to avoid what Šuica described as potentially 'self-defeating' consequences.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed just one year prior, was part of the EU's broader strategy to secure a sustainable supply of critical materials needed for the ecological transition, distancing EU dependencies from China.
This agreement was intended to enhance Rwanda's mining supply chains through €900 million allocated under the EU's Global Gateway strategy.
Controversy surrounding the MoU escalated after the United Nations reported illicit mineral trades stemming from conflict zones, prompting the DRC President, Félix Tshisekedi, to label the agreement as a provocative act.
MEPs called for a cessation of military support to Rwanda until its ties to the M23 rebel group are severed, emphasizing the importance of halting trade of minerals allegedly sourced from M23-controlled areas.
The European Commission has thus far opted for a pragmatic response, affirming its existing agreement with Rwanda while actively pressing for humanitarian measures.
These include calls for open borders for refugees and aid workers and respect for international humanitarian law, underscoring the need to protect civilians during ongoing conflicts.
Šuica announced accelerated disbursement of an initial €60 million budget for humanitarian assistance in the DRC for 2025.
The Commissioner underscored that EU engagements aim to reinforce safe labor conditions in mineral production to combat issues like child labor.
The Commission contends that abandoning the MoU would complicate efforts to promote responsible mineral sourcing from Rwanda.
