Lawmakers cite evidence of interference in the conflict in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The European Union relies on a wide range of resources for its industry, many of which are produced in only a few countries—most notably, China. To diversify its supply base, the EU is pursuing domestic mining expansion as well as partnerships with resource-rich nations. Nearly a year ago, the EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rwanda for cooperation on raw materials deemed critical to the European economy. However, this agreement is now under scrutiny, as the EU Parliament voted overwhelmingly last week in favor of suspending it (PDF).
Lawmakers cite substantial evidence of Rwandan troops operating in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and supporting the rebel group M23, which faces accusations of war crimes. Additionally, Rwanda is alleged to be exporting minerals originating from rebel-controlled areas of the DRC.
These regions are particularly rich in tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold. This development puts the EU in a difficult position, as it has also announced a raw materials partnership with the DRC. Meanwhile, NGOs have been calling for the termination of the Rwanda partnership since early February.
Photo: iStock/Oleksii Liskonih