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The DRC has labeled the European Union's ongoing minerals deal with Rwanda as showing "obvious contradiction" while enforcing far more extensive restrictions in response to the Ukrainian crisis.

Foreign Minister's Strong Criticism

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Congo's international affairs chief, called for the EU to implement significantly tougher sanctions against Rwanda, which has been accused of fueling the unrest in DRC's eastern territories.

"This shows evident hypocrisy – I aim to be constructive here – that has us questioning and interested about comprehending why the EU repeatedly finds it difficult so much to implement measures," she stated.

Ceasefire Deal Background

The DRC and Rwanda signed a ceasefire deal in June, mediated by the America and Qatar, intending to end the long-standing hostilities.

However, fatal assaults on ordinary citizens have persisted and a target date to achieve a lasting resolution was not met in August.

International Findings

Last year, a international assessment team reported that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops were operating with the M23 rebel group and that the Rwandan military was in "effective direction of M23 operations."

Rwanda has continually refuted backing M23 and claims its forces act in self-defence.

Diplomatic Request

The DRC president, Félix Tshisekedi, recently appealed to his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, to end assistance to rebel forces in the DRC during a European gathering featuring both leaders.

"This requires you to order the M23 troops assisted by your country to stop this intensification, which has already led to numerous casualties," Tshisekedi stated.

European Measures

The EU has imposed restrictions against 32 individuals and two organizations – a militant group and a Rwandan mineral treatment facility dealing in contraband materials of the metal – for their role in fuelling the conflict.

Despite these conclusions of international law breaches by the Rwandan army in the DRC, the EU executive has declined requests to cancel a 2024 minerals deal with Kigali.

Mineral Issues

Wagner characterized the agreement with Rwanda as "void of any credibility in a context where it has been confirmed that Rwanda has been siphoning off Congolese resources" mined under severe situations of compulsory work, affecting children.

The United States and numerous nations have raised concerns about illicit commerce in mineral resources in Congo's eastern region, obtained via compulsory work, then smuggled to Rwanda for international trade to benefit armed groups.

Human Catastrophe

The unrest in eastern DRC remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 7.8 million people internally displaced in the region and 28 million facing hunger issues, including 4 million at critical stages, according to UN reports.

Global Involvement

As the DRC's top representative, Wagner approved the deal with Rwanda at the US presidential residence in June, which also seeks to give the United States greater access to Congolese natural resources.

She stated that the US remains participating in the resolution efforts and dismissed claims that sole motivation was the DRC's significant natural resources.

International Collaboration

The EU leader, Ursula von der Leyen, inaugurated a summit by emphasizing that the EU wanted "cooperation based on shared objectives and respect for sovereignty."

She highlighted the Lobito corridor – transportation infrastructure transport links – joining the mining regions of the DRC and Zambia to Angola's ocean access.

Wagner acknowledged that the EU and DRC had a strong foundation in the Lobito project, but "much has been overshadowed by the conflict in Congo's east."