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Are we really prepared to risk our international obligations to protect the Rwanda deal?
Rwanda’s continued support for the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) cannot be ignored. It has resulted in mass displacement, violence and potential genocide, putting millions of lives at risk. While the United States (US) and other European countries have publicly expressed their concerns at the United Nations Security Council, Britain’s silence speaks volumes.
Congo’s abundant supplies of essential metals in the technology sector put it at the forefront of the global supply chain for critical minerals. But despite Congo’s vast mineral wealth, government corruption has allowed China and Russia to exploit these resources. There are also serious human rights concerns due to child labor and unsafe working conditions in some mines.
Sanctions against Rwanda for its disregard for international law and human rights
China’s control over more than 80 percent of rare earth minerals is of enormous concern if the country chooses to arm itself over the South China Sea or Taiwan. Adding to this China’s predicted reach of half of total global cobalt production by 2024 only raises the specter of undue influence.
The DRC has long been an important strategic partner for the United Kingdom (UK), but Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels has strained the relationship, undermining the DRC’s economic prospects and increasing regional instability .
Our inaction raises questions about the consistency of our foreign policies, especially Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli-Gaza conflict, where we readily hold states accountable for destabilization and civilian casualties.
While the war in Ukraine and Gaza receives extensive media attention, the ongoing violence in the DRC appears to be largely absent from the public debate. This silence raises legitimate concerns about fairness and transparency.
In 2012, Britain suspended aid to Rwanda over its support for the M23 rebels, and in 2013 the US sanctioned and blocked military aid to Rwanda for the same reason. Ten years later, UN experts found substantial evidence that Rwandan troops were in Congo, and despite US insistence that they withdraw, Rwandan troops remain there. As recently as February, there were reports that Rwandan forces were using advanced surface-to-air missiles in eastern DRC.
We cannot be complicit in human suffering in the DRC. Maintaining regional stability and supporting the DRC’s growth is critical to global security and our economic interests. To stop the war, Britain, the US and their allies must go beyond condemning and punishing the M23, Rwanda’s proxy, and instead impose sanctions on Rwanda for its disregard for international law and human rights.
At the moment I seem to be the only MP consistently challenging the government on its DRC policy. I hope that other Members of Parliament will support me and quickly realize the damage our silence is doing to our relationship with one of Africa’s largest economies.
Daniel Kawczynski, Conservative MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham
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