The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made a fervent appeal for an international embargo on metal exports from neighboring Rwanda, alleging complicity in the theft of its natural resources through support for rebel groups.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mines Minister Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi labeled all mining products from Rwanda as “blood minerals,” asserting their purported involvement in fueling conflict in eastern Congo.
Kalambayi urged all stakeholders, including end consumers, to commit to a responsible supply chain and advocated for an embargo against Rwanda.
The minister’s call comes in the wake of the recent takeover of Congo’s largest tantalum mines by the M23 rebel group, which the DRC and United Nations experts accuse Rwanda of backing.
According to Kalambayi, Rwanda is allegedly receiving smuggled tantalum and storing it for future sale.
Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of supporting M23. Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo previously dismissed accusations of mineral theft as a diversion tactic by the Congolese government, citing its own security and governance failures. However, Makolo did not respond to recent requests for comment.
The conflict over eastern Congo’s minerals has persisted for decades, despite international efforts to intervene.
Tracing systems designed to certify and tag minerals for transparency in supply chains have faltered as conflicts in the region escalate, leading to the displacement of millions.
Last month, Congo’s government raised concerns with Apple Inc., accusing it of indirectly supporting the war by purchasing stolen minerals through Rwanda.
Apple maintained that it conducted due diligence on its supply chain and found no links to conflict.
The resurgence of the M23 rebellion, initiated in late 2021, has heightened tensions in Congo, particularly around the city of Goma, where trade routes have been blocked and territory expanded.
The illicit trade in minerals from the region, worth billions annually, often benefits armed groups.
Despite these challenges, minerals have become a significant aspect of Rwanda’s formal economy, with exports nearing $1 billion in the past fiscal year, according to data from the Rwandan central bank.
This economic sector plays a substantial role in Rwanda’s overall GDP, which stands at approximately $14 billion, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.
