by Woody Collins, Congo Helping Hands
Summary: Rwanda joins African nations condemning M23 rebels while Congo pursues mineral deals with the US and EU. Despite Amnesty International’s reports of M23 war crimes, Western powers continue negotiating mining agreements. Congo aims to reduce Chinese influence through US partnership by June 2025, while critics accuse the EU of prioritizing mineral access over human rights concerns.
In a significant shift, Rwanda has joined eleven other African nations in condemning M23’s establishment of parallel administrations in eastern DRC. The rebel group, previously supported by Rwanda, faces accusations of human rights violations including summary executions of minors. At a meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, participating nations called for all foreign armed groups, including FDLR and ADF, to disarm unconditionally. Rwanda’s change in stance reportedly stems from mounting financial and diplomatic pressures, particularly from Belgium.
Amnesty International has accused Rwandan-backed M23 rebels of committing serious war crimes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to their investigation, the group has been detaining, torturing, and killing civilians in Goma and Bukavu under inhumane conditions. Of 18 former male detainees interviewed between February and April 2025, half reported torture, while others witnessed deaths from beatings and deprivation. The organization’s regional director states that M23’s claims of maintaining order conceal their brutal intimidation tactics against perceived opponents.
The Democratic Republic of Congo aims to finalize a critical minerals investment deal with the United States by the end of June 2025. According to the Financial Times, Congo’s Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba views this as an opportunity to reduce Chinese dominance in the country’s mineral sector. The deal is being negotiated alongside a potential peace agreement with Rwanda, as mineral plundering is considered a key factor in the ongoing M23 conflict. The US administration is pushing for both agreements to be signed this summer to facilitate Western investment in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo aims to secure a dual agreement with the US by June 2025: a critical minerals investment deal and a peace agreement involving Rwanda. The proposed arrangement would allow Congolese minerals to be legally processed in Rwanda, potentially ending illegal exploitation. Congo’s Mines Minister sees this as an opportunity to reduce Chinese influence in the sector. The US is pushing for a summer agreement that could bring billions in Western investment, though significant challenges remain. Rwanda maintains its border actions are defensive measures against security threats.
Amnesty International criticizes the EU’s approach to mining deals with Rwanda while ignoring human rights abuses in DR Congo. The EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda for critical minerals in 2024, despite evidence that some minerals are smuggled from DRC where Rwandan-backed M23 rebels commit serious human rights violations. While the EU initially imposed some sanctions and suspended defense cooperation with Rwanda, critics argue it has since remained silent on ongoing abuses, prioritizing mineral access over Congolese lives.
The Peace Talks appear to be producing signs of agreement. Let’s continue to pray that a fair and sustainable resolution is reached!