The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has urged the European Union (EU) to immediately suspend all cooperation with Rwanda, particularly in the trade of strategic minerals like coltan, which the DRC claims Rwanda illegally exports to EU member states.
Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba, made this demand during an extraordinary session of the Africa-European Union Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels on February 5, 2025.
Kayikwamba stressed that halting mineral exports from Rwanda to the EU is essential to prevent European complicity in the ongoing instability in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu and its capital, Goma.
“We demand urgent action from the European Union to suspend all cooperation with Rwanda—effective immediately. Political and military sanctions must be imposed on those responsible for fueling this crisis.
The export of minerals, including coltan, from Rwanda to the EU must stop to prevent indirect complicity in financing instability,” she stated.
The DRC government has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim reinforced by a 2024 United Nations expert report recommending sanctions against Kigali.
Kayikwamba further urged the EU to take responsibility for its cooperation with Rwanda, accusing the country of destabilizing the DRC by fueling rebellion.
“It is unacceptable for the EU to ignore Rwanda’s violations of international law. This conflict is not just Africa’s problem—it is a global security concern.
The EU cannot claim to uphold its values while allowing minerals from a country financing instability in the DRC to enter its markets,” she asserted.
Before her address to the EU parliamentary assembly, Kayikwamba had already raised these concerns at the United Nations Security Council, calling for sanctions against Rwanda.
“Rwanda and the M23 continue to violate the ceasefire and obstruct accountability mechanisms. The UN Security Council must remain engaged in supporting the Luanda process and ensuring all parties honor their commitments,” she told the council.
The DRC’s renewed push for international action underscores the urgency of addressing Rwanda’s alleged role in the ongoing conflict and ensuring that the global mineral supply chain does not contribute to further instability in the region.
