DR Congo Conflict: Pressure Mount on EU to Cancel Mineral Pact with Rwanda - In a dramatic escalation of international pressure, 64 global NGOs have called on the European Union to immediately cancel its mineral partnership with Rwanda, citing Kigali’s support for the M23 rebels wreaking havoc in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The letter, addressed to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other top officials, condemned the EU’s continued engagement with Rwanda despite its alleged complicity in war crimes, human rights abuses, and regional destabilization. How can the EU, which prides itself on ethical governance, justify a deal that may be financing bloodshed? The letter, signed by human rights watchdogs and civil society organizations, reads: "Already widely contested at the time of its signing, this agreement has become entirely unacceptable as the conflict escalates. It contradicts the EU's core values and raises serious ethical and legal concerns about potential complicity in the suffering of the Congolese people." "Under the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU must urgently reassess any mining project involving Rwanda, or risk legitimizing the illegal exploitation of DRC resources and indirectly financing war crimes, human rights violations, and regional instability."
Rwanda’s mineral trade at risk as international NGOs push EU to withdraw agreement
Rwanda may be facing a significant economic setback as the European Union (E.U) has received a request to nullify its mineral partnership deal with the East African country.
Rwanda’s mineral trade at risk as international NGOs push EU to withdraw agreement
The European Union has received a request to nullify its mineral partnership deal with Rwanda
Rwanda is accused of increasing its military presence in Congolese territory and supporting the M23 militia
Rwanda and the DRC are the world's top coltan exporters, with Rwanda surpassing the DRC's coltan exports in 2023
Urgent call from civil society to end the EU-Rwanda
Partnership following Rwanda’s expanded presence in Eastern Congo
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