The European Union (EU) have clarified its position on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Rwanda that is strictly based on development of Critical Raw Materials.
The EU also recalled that the same MoU was also signed with the DR Congo authorities in October 2023.
The EU through its Parliament, explains that the objective of this MoU with Rwanda is to increase traceability and transparency and to strengthen the fight against illegal mineral trafficking for the benefit of the entire population of the Great Lakes region of Africa.
“So, regarding this signing of MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on critical raw materials with Rwanda. One of the main objectives of the Critical Raw Materials MoU is to support the sustainable and responsible sourcing, production and processing of raw materials. And the objective is to increase traceability and transparency and to strengthen the fight against illegal mineral trafficking” said Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
“We have therefore signed a memorandum of understanding with the DRC and with Rwanda on critical raw materials. So, these efforts that we have supported also with our support to the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region and our own provisions on conflict minerals and due diligence, among others, are in the interest of all countries and populations of the region”.
DR Congo President Fèlix Tshisekedi has been critical of the signed agreement between EU and Rwanda that he claimed is mark of support for the latter in the ongoing war in the east.
