EU to review raw materials deal with Rwanda over DRC conflict – Kallas

The Escalating Conflict in the DRC and Rwanda’s Alleged Involvement

The conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a critical point, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations. At the center of the crisis is the alleged involvement of Rwanda in supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured key territories in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including the strategic city of Goma. The European Union (EU) has been under increasing pressure to address Rwanda’s role in the conflict, particularly given its substantial economic and political ties with the country. However, during a recent meeting of EU foreign ministers, no immediate sanctions were imposed on Rwanda, reflecting the bloc’s cautious approach to the situation.

The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Agreement with Rwanda Under Scrutiny

The EU has announced that it will reconsider its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rwanda, signed in February 2022, which focuses on the supply of critical raw materials such as tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold, and lithium. These materials are essential for the production of microchips and electric vehicles, making Rwanda a key player in the global supply chain. The agreement is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, a €300-billion infrastructure partnership aimed at reducing dependency on China for critical raw materials. However, the recent escalation of the conflict in the DRC has led to calls for the suspension of this agreement, with Belgium and the European Parliament pushing for a review of the deal. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has confirmed that the agreement will be reassessed, stating, "The situation is very grave and on the brink of regional conflict."

The EU’s Calculated Response: Balancing Sanctions and Diplomacy

While the EU has suspended its defense and security consultations with Rwanda, it has chosen not to follow the United States’ lead in imposing direct sanctions on Rwandan officials. Instead, EU foreign ministers have reached a "political decision" to consider potential sanctions "depending on the situation on the ground." This approach reflects the EU’s desire to maintain diplomatic channels open while signaling its concern over Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict. The bloc’s response is shaped by its strategic interests, including its ongoing cooperation with Rwanda in addressing security challenges in other regions, such as the Islamist insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.

Rwanda’s Role in the Conflict and the Geopolitical Implications

Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict is not new, with long-standing accusations that the country supports rebel groups to gain control over mineral-rich territories in eastern DRC. The M23 rebels’ incursion into areas dense with mines for gold, coltan, tin, and other critical materials has raised suspicions that Rwanda is using the conflict to expand its access to these resources. Experts, including those from the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), have questioned Rwanda’s ability to mine the materials it exports, suggesting that much of it may be sourced from the DRC. These allegations have further complicated the EU’s relationship with Rwanda, particularly given the bloc’s reliance on the country for critical raw materials.

The EU’s Strategic Interests and the Global Gateway Initiative

The EU’s decision to review its MoU with Rwanda is a significant shift in its approach to the country, which has long been a key partner in Africa. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has maintained strong ties with European leaders, and the country has been a recipient of substantial EU funding, including over €900 million allocated under the Global Gateway initiative. The initiative aims to establish sustainable and resilient supply chains for critical raw materials, reducing the EU’s dependence on China. However, the escalating conflict in the DRC has forced the EU to confront the ethical and geopolitical challenges of its partnership with Rwanda, raising questions about the sustainability and transparency of its value chains.

A Delicate Balancing Act: Territorial Integrity, Resource Security, and Regional Stability

The EU’s stance on the DRC conflict underscores the complexity of balancing territorial integrity, resource security, and regional stability. High Representative Kallas has emphasized that "territorial integrity is non-negotiable, in Congo (DRC) as well as in Ukraine," drawing parallels between the two conflicts and highlighting the EU’s commitment to upholding international law. At the same time, the bloc must navigate its strategic interests in securing critical raw materials, which are essential for its green transition and technological advancements. As the situation in the DRC continues to deteriorate, the EU faces a delicate balancing act, with its response having far-reaching implications for its relations with Rwanda, its resource security, and its credibility as a global actor.