The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with Rwanda in the critical minerals sector, despite calls for the suspension of a recently signed agreement. 

EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation, arguing that suspending the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on critical minerals would be counterproductive.

Speaking at the Africa-EU delegation in Strasbourg, Suica underscored that the agreement, signed in February 2024, plays a crucial role in fostering responsible supply chains for essential minerals such as tin, tungsten, gold, and tantalum. She stressed that maintaining the partnership with Rwanda is essential for promoting ethical trade practices and regional stability.

“Suspension of the MoU could be self-defeating as it would remove the basis for this engagement with Rwanda and undermine the incentive to ensure responsible production and trade of minerals by Rwanda,” the EU commissioner said.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, reinforced the country’s dedication to ethical mineral trade and regional stability. He dismissed allegations that Rwanda benefits from smuggling minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), pointing out that the real actors behind illicit trade are well known but often ignored.

“The truth is well-documented. The real smuggling networks and perpetrators are known, yet scrutiny unfairly falls on Rwanda. We are committed to a stable region because our economic growth and vision for prosperity depend on it,” Cesar said.

Highlighting Rwanda’s strong economic ties with DR Congo, he noted that Rwandan exports to its neighbor reached $623 million in 2021, accounting for over 33% of total exports in 2022. He questioned why Rwanda would risk jeopardizing such a vital economic relationship, emphasizing that the country’s best interests lie in peace and cooperation.

The ambassador also called for a more comprehensive and fact-based approach to addressing the DR Congo conflict. He criticized the European Parliament’s silence on key issues, including the assassination of an Italian ambassador by a Kinshasa-backed militia and the Congolese government’s engagement of foreign mercenaries in military operations.

Cesar reiterated Rwanda’s concerns about the security situation, noting that recent attacks on Rwandan territory have resulted in civilian casualties. He urged the international community to adopt a balanced stance that recognizes the complexity of the conflict rather than relying on oversimplified narratives.

“We remain committed to partnerships built on mutual benefits and respect,” he stated. “It is time to focus on facts and work towards sustainable peace in the region.”

By maintaining dialogue and fostering responsible trade partnerships, the EU and Rwanda seek to contribute to regional stability while ensuring ethical mineral supply chains that benefit all stakeholders.