"EU Inaction Amidst Rwanda-Backed Atrocities in Eastern DR Congo"

European Leaders Should Take Prompt Action against Warring Parties

The European Parliament, in a strong resolution last week, slammed the inaction of European Union executives on the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group is committing grave violations of the laws of war. Calling out the EU’s “lack of coherence” and “inconsistent messages” to Rwanda, lawmakers pressed the European Commission and member states to put real pressure on those fueling atrocities in Congo, starting with Rwanda, the M23’s main backer. 

The European Parliament has reason to be outraged. [...]

But last week’s parliamentary resolution gives the EU a clear way forward.

First, it should sanction high-level commanders involved in violations in eastern Congo, including top Rwandan officials.

Second, the EU should suspend its minerals deal with Rwanda. The UN Group of Experts on the Congo are categorical: the M23 and Rwanda are hugely benefitting from illegally exploiting minerals in eastern Congo, while Rwanda has “de facto control and direction” over M23 military operations. EU Partnership Commissioner Josef Sikela should recognize the deal conflicts with reality and sends an inconsistent message to Rwanda. 

Third, the EU and its members should stop military cooperation and arms sales that further Rwandan military operations in Congo. A €20 million check for Rwanda’s deployment in Mozambique was approved as Rwanda was ramping up support for the M23. While operations in northern Mozambique have had some success, a commander of the EU-funded Rwandan forces in Mozambique was freshly transferred there from leading Rwanda’s operations in eastern Congo. Through its military support, the EU could be risking complicity in Rwanda’s violations in eastern Congo.

EU ministers have a chance at their meeting on February 24 to take action. Sanctioning abusive actors from all sides and dropping deals with Rwanda that foster abuses are the first steps to take.