ANALYSIS | Why Rwanda must be held accountable
Guy Kioni for News24
5 févr. 2025
The ongoing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is not just a geopolitical dispute; it is a fight over the control and exploitation of critical minerals that power the global economy. In this recent analysis on News24, Guy underscored the urgent need for accountability in Rwanda’s role in fueling this crisis.
🔴 The Humanitarian Cost:
The price of this war is being paid in human lives. More than 7,000 people have been killed since January, and millions are displaced in what has become one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. The people of eastern DRC continue to endure unimaginable suffering while armed groups backed by Rwanda, tighten their grip on resource-rich territories.
🔴 The Fight for Resources:
This conflict is not just about territorial disputes but the control of critical minerals like coltan, cobalt, and gold, essential for smartphones, batteries, and other modern technologies. Armed groups exploit these resources, fueling further violence and instability.
🔴 International Response & the Need for Stronger Sanctions:
🇬🇧 UK has suspended bilateral aid to Rwanda and is reviewing export licenses for military equipment.
🇨🇦 Canada has halted trade and military exports to Rwanda in response to its alleged backing of M23 rebels.
🇩🇪 Germany has paused financial cooperation with Rwanda, a move signaling growing international pressure.
🇺🇸 United States has imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration and former Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF). Notably, Kabarebe also served as Chief of Staff of the Congolese army (FARDC) from 1997 to 1998—a perplexing duality that raises questions that no one asked in this conflict.
While these are important steps, more decisive action is needed. The UK has a critical role to play in reinforcing targeted sanctions on individuals and financial networks involved in fuelling the war. Additionally, there must be stronger enforcement against the illicit trade of DRC’s conflict minerals that sustain these armed groups.
🔴 No Dialogue Without Withdrawal:
Some international players are pushing for negotiations with M23 and Rwanda, but any dialogue must come after a full withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory. The existing Nairobi Process offers a legitimate African-led solution that should be reinforced, rather than bypassed by external diplomatic shortcuts.
The time for half-measures is over. Rwanda must be held accountable, and the world must act with urgency to end this cycle of violence. The people of the DRC deserve peace, not perpetual war over their land and resources.