The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has demanded an international embargo on mineral exports from neighbouring Rwanda, whose government it accuses of stealing its natural resources with the help of rebel groups.
Bloomberg quoted mines minister Antoinette N'Samba Kalambayi as saying that all mining products originating from Rwanda ought to be classified as "blood minerals" due to allegations that their trade contributes to the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
“All stakeholders, including end consumers of mining products,” should commit to a responsible supply chain, and “an embargo be decreed against Rwanda,” she said.
The minister made this appeal following the M23 rebel group's capture of Congo's major tantalum mines earlier this month—a critical mineral in portable electronics.
According to Congo and United Nations experts, Rwanda is supporting the M23 and is currently receiving and storing the smuggled tantalum for future sale.
Rwanda has denied any assistance for M23.
A government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, said that the Congolese government's "security and governance shortcomings" are being concealed through "a scapegoating tactic" involving charges that Rwanda is taking resources.
For decades, the minerals of Eastern Congo have been a source of conflict fuel, and international efforts to block the flow have been largely unsuccessful.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
