Rwanda must be held accountable

The DRC has vast mineral resources, including coltan, gold and other valuable minerals that are essential to the global industry. However, instead of serving as a bedrock for national prosperity, these resources have become a source of strife, largely due to external exploitation.

Numerous reports have highlighted Rwanda’s involvement in the illegal extraction and trade of these minerals. A United Nations Group of Experts has documented Rwanda’s links to the illegal mineral trade and found that Rwandan-backed rebel groups, in particular the March 23 Movement (M23), have taken control of mining areas in the eastern DRC. These groups smuggle minerals across the border into Rwanda, where they are integrated into international supply chains. This illicit trade not only deprives the DRC of vital revenue, but also fuels the ongoing conflict as armed groups fight for control of resource-rich areas.

Rwanda’s official export figures raise further suspicions. Despite rather limited domestic mineral reserves, the country has reported a significant increase in exports of minerals such as coltan. This discrepancy suggests that a significant proportion of these exports originate from the DRC and are laundered through Rwandan channels to disguise their true origin.

Rwanda’s support for rebel movements in the eastern DRC is a deliberate strategy aimed at destabilising the region in order to maintain influence over resource-rich areas, facilitating the extraction and smuggling of minerals. By supporting groups such as the M23, Rwanda is creating an ongoing instability that undermines the DRC’s ability to establish effective governance and secure its territory. As a result, Rwanda can continue its exploitation with minimal resistance and benefit economically while the DRC is mired in conflict.

The human cost of this conflict has been severe, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the violence. Groups supported by Rwanda, in particular the M23, are accused of serious human-rights violations, including systematic sexual violence.

Strategic rape

Reports from organisations such as Human Rights Watch and UNICEF have documented numerous cases of rape and sexual assault by armed groups in the eastern DRC. In a single week, health facilities reported 572 cases of rape, over 170 of which involved children. These atrocities are used as a weapon of war to terrorise and subjugate the population. The frequency of such acts underscores the brutal tactics used by these groups.

The international community has increasingly recognised Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing crisis in the DRC. During his recent visit to the country, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, emphasised that individuals involved in international crimes in the DRC would be held accountable. In February, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Union to freeze direct budgetary support to Rwanda. It also called for the suspension of agreements with Rwanda on the supply of strategic minerals until Rwanda stops interfering in Congolese affairs. Earlier this month, Germany suspended new development funds for Rwanda. The United Kingdom also suspended its bilateral aid to Rwanda. Canada announced several measures, including the suspension of export licences for controlled goods and technology to Rwanda, the suspension of new business relations between the governments and the re-evaluation of participation in international events hosted by Rwanda.

These developments have a significant economic impact on Rwanda. The country generated considerable income from the export of raw materials. Rwanda’s debt to GDP ratio has increased and the aid cuts and economic sanctions will further destabilise the country’s economy.

In addition, the DRC has called on international organisations and companies to reconsider their involvement in Rwanda. For example, the Foreign Minister has urged Formula 1 to cancel its plans for a Grand Prix in Rwanda, highlighting the ongoing conflict and Rwanda’s role in perpetuating the violence.

Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC is a complex interplay of economic interests and strategic manoeuvres, all at the expense of human rights and regional stability. The exploitation of natural resources, the deliberate fuelling of instability and the perpetration of human-rights abuses have maintained the cycle of conflict and suffering in the eastern DRC.

Paul Kagame and his regime must be held accountable for war crimes and human-rights violations through international justice mechanisms. The international community must stand by the DRC in its efforts for peace and by the Rwandan people in their struggle for genuine democracy. It is time to act decisively to end the exploitation by the Kagame regime and ensure lasting peace in the region.

Denise Zaneza is a human-rights activist from Rwanda. 
mzaneza@gmail.com