EU Foreign Ministers reached a political agreement on Monday concerning sanctions against Rwanda. These will be dependent on the evolving situation in Eastern Congo.
Since the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 seized more territory in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in January and February, including the capture of cities Goma and Bukavu, calls to sanction Rwanda and freeze EU funds have grown in recent weeks.
The bloc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rwanda in February 2024 giving it access to raw materials despite compelling evidence that its African ally was knowingly illegally extracting and smuggling minerals from the DRC.
Goma, North Kivu. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
Last week, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling on the Rwandan government to withdraw its troops from the DRC and cease cooperation with M23. MEPs have also urged EU institutions to freeze all financial support for Rwanda until it allows humanitarian access to crisis zones and breaks all links with the rebel group.
While Rwanda will now be sanctioned by the EU, the bloc did not agree on suspending the MoU. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said in her press remarks at the press conference after the foreign affairs council that the MoU regarding critical raw materials will be under review.
The EU has also suspended security consultations with Rwanda and called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops. While Member States agreed to impose political sanctions, the specifics of these measures are yet to be determined.
Belgium: 'Glass half full'
Belgium has been advocating to suspend the MoU. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) expressed the need not only to condemn the situation in Congo but to take action, warning against unequal treatment of conflicts in Ukraine and Congo.
Prévot sees the agreement as a step in the right direction, although he would have preferred a tougher stance against Rwanda. He remains optimistic, referring to the agreement as "the glass half full" since it paves the way for potential sanctions when deemed appropriate.
According to a diplomatic source, Luxembourg led the opposition to suspending the MoU. The country fears that severe sanctions could jeopardise upcoming dialogue at the African level.
