Key points:
- EU Parliament demands suspension of Rwanda minerals deal
- MEPs condemn Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels in DRC
- Brussels insists halting the deal would be counterproductive
THE European Parliament has called on the European Commission to suspend its critical minerals agreement with Rwanda amid escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move follows allegations that Rwandan forces are backing M23 rebels, who have intensified attacks in North Kivu, a mineral-rich region.
Despite the pressure, the European Commission has resisted halting the deal, arguing that such action could undermine its human rights commitments and disrupt the supply of essential raw materials for Europe’s green transition.
Parliament condemns Rwanda’s alleged role in DRC conflict
On February 13, the European Parliament passed a resolution with 443 votes in favour, four against, and 48 abstentions, denouncing the violence in Goma and other eastern DRC territories. Lawmakers highlighted reports of indiscriminate killings, sexual violence, and war crimes attributed to M23 rebels, allegedly supported by the Rwandan military.
With over 3,000 deaths reported in Goma alone, MEPs urged Brussels to take immediate action. Their demands include halting financial and military aid to Rwanda, particularly through the European Peace Facility, until Kigali severs all ties with M23.
Most notably, the resolution calls for the suspension of the EU-Rwanda Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Commodity Value Chains, signed in February 2024. Parliament insists this should remain in effect ‘until Rwanda ceases all interference in the DRC, including exporting minerals mined from M23-controlled areas.’
The controversial EU-Rwanda minerals agreement
The agreement is part of the EU’s strategy to secure key minerals—such as tantalum, tin, tungsten, lithium, and rare earth elements—while reducing dependence on China. In exchange, the EU has pledged over €900 million to enhance Rwanda’s mining infrastructure under its Global Gateway initiative.
However, critics argue that Rwanda’s mineral exports are tainted by conflict minerals smuggled from the DRC. The UN has previously reported evidence of illicit mineral trade in the region, raising ethical concerns over the EU’s continued partnership with Kigali.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has condemned the deal as a ‘provocation in very bad taste,’ given the ongoing rebel activity in mineral-rich territories.
EU Commission stands firm on minerals deal
Despite growing political pressure, Brussels has defended its agreement with Rwanda. In a debate at the European Parliament, EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica—speaking on behalf of High Representative Kaja Kallas—stated that suspending the deal would be ‘self-defeating.’
Šuica stressed that cutting ties could weaken EU oversight on ethical mining practices, including efforts to combat child labour and improve working conditions. She reassured lawmakers that the EU would not invest in mineral processing where the supply chain origins were unclear.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Commission has fast-tracked a €60 million aid package for the DRC for 2025. Šuica outlined Brussels’ demands, urging all parties to:
- Keep borders open for refugees and humanitarian workers.
- Protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.
- Ensure the safety of medical staff and humanitarian aid personnel.
- Initiate negotiations for a humanitarian ceasefire.
While the EU acknowledges the seriousness of the crisis, its stance on the Rwanda minerals deal remains unchanged. For now, Brussels remains committed to securing raw materials while maintaining what it calls ‘responsible mineral trade’—a position likely to face further scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
