The European Parliament urges the EU Commission to suspend its minerals agreement with Rwanda amid military tensions in the DRC. Despite calls for this suspension, EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica emphasizes the importance of continuing metal purchases to comply with human rights obligations. The Parliament condemns violence against civilians and demands a halt to support for Rwanda until it disengages from M23 rebels. This controversy raises significant questions regarding economic partnerships and ethical mineral sourcing amid ongoing conflict.
The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to reconsider and suspend its critical minerals agreement with Rwanda due to escalating military tensions in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The violence, particularly involving M23 rebels allegedly supported by Rwandan forces, threatens the integrity of the agreement. Despite this, EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica emphasized that continuing the purchase of metals and rare earths is crucial as halting such activities could violate the EU’s human rights commitments.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the occupation of Goma and surrounding territories by M23 rebels, highlighting the atrocities committed in recent weeks, including indiscriminate attacks and war crimes. The resolution garnered 443 votes in favor, with calls for immediate suspension of the EU-Rwanda Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Commodity Value Chains until Rwanda halts all interference in the DRC. This spurred concerns, as over 3,000 deaths have been reported in Goma due to the ongoing violence.
The situation is particularly embarrassing for the European Commission, which has recently increased its financial and military support for Rwanda. Members of the European Parliament have urged the acceptance of a halt to such assistance until Rwanda disassociates from M23. The Parliament characterized the resources sourced from these conflict areas as “bloodstained,” underscoring the moral implications involved in the mineral trade.
The EU-Rwanda agreement, established to secure critical materials necessary for the ecological transition, is under scrutiny as it aims to decrease dependence on China. However, the DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi labeled the agreement as a significant provocation amid the conflict, which is concentrated in mineral-rich regions. The memorandum aimed to enhance Rwanda’s infrastructure and mining supply chains, involving substantial financial allocations from the EU.
Despite the mounting pressure, the European Commission is opting for a pragmatic approach. Commissioner Šuica reiterated the necessity for open borders for humanitarian efforts and emphasized the importance of civilian protection and negotiations for a humanitarian ceasefire. The Commission has accelerated financial aid for humanitarian initiatives within the DRC but maintains the stance that the existing agreement with Rwanda does not warrant suspension.
The European Parliament is pushing for the suspension of the minerals agreement with Rwanda due to the humanitarian crisis and military aggression in the DRC. The EU Commission maintains that continuing this agreement could help ensure responsible mineral trade and production. Amidst increasing scrutiny and condemnation, the situation reflects deeper complexities in international agreements, human rights obligations, and the ongoing conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.eunews.it
