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The Democratic Republic of Congo has described the European Union's persistent minerals partnership with Rwanda as showing "evident hypocrisy" while enforcing much broader sanctions in response to the war in Ukraine.

Government Firm Condemnation

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the African nation's foreign minister, called for the EU to implement far more severe restrictions against Rwanda, which has been accused of fueling the unrest in Congo's eastern region.

"This demonstrates clear inconsistency – I aim to be helpful here – that leaves us wondering and inquisitive about comprehending why the EU repeatedly finds it difficult so much to take action," she stated.

Ceasefire Deal Background

The DRC and Rwanda signed a conflict resolution in June, brokered by the United States and Qatar, intending to end the long-standing hostilities.

However, lethal incidents on ordinary citizens have persisted and a deadline to establish a lasting resolution was passed without success in August.

International Findings

Last year, a group of UN experts stated that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops were supporting the M23 insurgent faction and that the Rwandan military was in "actual command of M23 operations."

Rwanda has repeatedly rejected backing M23 and asserts its forces act in national security.

Leadership Call

The DRC president, Félix Tshisekedi, recently urged his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, to cease backing armed groups in the DRC during a European gathering attended by both leaders.

"This demands you to instruct the M23 troops backed by your country to end this escalation, which has already led to sufficient casualties," Tshisekedi stated.

European Measures

The EU has placed sanctions on 32 persons and two organizations – a armed faction and a Rwandan mineral treatment facility handling unauthorized sources of the metal – for their participation in prolonging the conflict.

Despite these determinations of rights violations by the Rwandan army in the DRC, the European Commission has rejected calls to cancel a 2024 mining agreement with Kigali.

Economic Implications

Wagner labeled the partnership with Rwanda as "void of any credibility in a context where it has been confirmed that Rwanda has been diverting African wealth" obtained under harsh circumstances of compulsory work, affecting children.

The United States and various countries have raised concerns about illegal trade in precious metals in Congo's eastern region, obtained via coerced employment, then illegally transported to Rwanda for shipment to support militant factions.

Human Catastrophe

The conflict in DRC's eastern territories remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with more than 7.8 million people relocated within country in affected areas and 28 million experiencing food insecurity, including 4 million at critical stages, according to UN data.

International Engagement

As the DRC's principal negotiator, Wagner approved the accord with Rwanda at the American administration in June, which also aims to give the United States enhanced entry to African wealth.

She maintained that the US remains involved in the peace process and denied allegations that primary interest was the DRC's significant natural resources.

European Partnership

The Brussels chief, Ursula von der Leyen, commenced a summit by stating that the EU wanted "cooperation based on common interests and honoring independence."

She featured the Lobito corridor – multi-modal transport links – joining the resource-rich areas of the DRC and Zambia to Angola's western shoreline.

Wagner acknowledged that the EU and DRC had a solid basis in the Lobito project, but "a great deal has been overshadowed by the crisis in Congo's east."