The European Union faces increasing calls to suspend a controversial minerals deal with Rwanda after renewed conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically after the M23 rebel group's capture of Goma. Belgium is at the forefront of this demand, pointing to the humanitarian crisis in Goma exacerbated by the conflict. The minerals agreement signed in February 2024 is seen as pivotal for the EU's access to essential resources like tantalum for technology, contributing to fears of the regional war as additional financing for Rwanda sparks controversy in DRC, where accusations of resource plundering abound.
"The international community must consider how to respond, because declarations have not been enough," said Belgium's foreign minister, asserting the need for tangible action against Belgium's MoU with Rwanda.
"After the deal was signed, the infuriated Congolese president, Felix Tshisekedi, described it as a provocation in very bad taste," highlighting the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC.
#eu-rwanda-relations #minerals-agreement #democratic-republic-of-the-congo #m23-conflict #international-diplomacy
Collection
[
|
...
]