European Parliament demands sanctions against Rwanda

With 443 votes for, 4 against, and 48 abstentions, parliament members called for the immediate cessation of the memorandum until Rwanda proves that it has ceased interference in Congo and has stopped exporting minerals mined in zones controlled by the rebel group M23.

The resolution, which enjoyed broad support among Belgian Members of the European Parliament, also calls for the freezing of direct budgetary support to Rwanda and military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces, and a ban on the supply of weapons to the Rwandan forces and to M23.

The European Commission said on Tuesday that suspending the agreement with Rwanda would be counterproductive because it is, among other things, intended to guarantee the traceability of minerals. However, they did not rule out proposing new targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials and M23 rebels.

Since the capture of the city of Goma by M23 at the end of January, Belgium has been urging other member states to take a tougher stance against the regime in Kigali, including suspending the memorandum. However, an agreement has not yet been reached.