UN reports record levels of mineral smuggling from Congo to Rwanda

The illegal smuggling of minerals from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo into Rwanda has reached unparalleled levels, coinciding with the M23 rebel group’s occupation of a significant part of the region, as per a recent report by United Nations experts. This situation has critically impacted the exports of tin, tantalum, and tungsten from the area, jeopardizing the integrity and reputation of mineral traceability. The report highlights that the looted minerals are mixed with locally sourced production in Rwanda, effectively masking their origins as Rwandan and integrating them into the global supply chain of these minerals. Last year, both Rwanda and Congo were responsible for approximately 60% of global tantalum production, a crucial mineral used in the production of electronics.

A peace agreement brokered by the United States between Rwanda and Congo, signed recently in Washington, aims to cease hostilities and end support for proxy rebel factions like the M23. The pact also emphasizes joint economic ventures between the two nations with the possibility of investment from the US. However, the UN experts point out that Rwanda has significantly expanded its economic influence in Congo through the M23 rebellion. The report suggests that Rwanda’s primary objective is to assert control over the Democratic Republic of Congo and its vast natural resources by occupying territories and leveraging the rebellion in the region.

The UN report indicates that Rwanda has played a crucial role in supporting M23’s expansion and capture of new regions, including the takeover of eastern Congo’s major cities. This advancement is highlighted by Rwanda’s use of sophisticated military equipment, such as jamming systems, short-range air defense systems, and armed drones, which are in violation of existing UN sanctions. Moreover, M23 insurgents, alongside Rwandan forces, have been implicated in numerous human rights abuses and acts of violence, such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances, and nighttime raids on medical facilities. Despite Rwanda’s denial of backing the M23 rebel group, reports estimate there were around 6,000 Rwandan soldiers in Congo earlier this year, with a significant number stationed along the border as of late April.

Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, has contended that the group of experts has misrepresented Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict and mineral smuggling practices, underscoring the importance of clarifying and rectifying such misperceptions. Efforts are now underway to bring an end to the illegal mineral trade, restore peace and stability in the region, and foster economic cooperation between Rwanda and Congo, with the potential benefits of US investment in joint ventures to enhance the mining and processing of minerals within the area.