Why Rwanda’s Stolen Minerals from Congo Should Be Called "Blood Minerals"

On March 9, Julien Paluku, the Minister of External Trade of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), met with a delegation of European Parliament members led by Thierry Mariani. They discussed the ongoing crisis in Eastern Congo, how Rwanda has been illegally exploiting Congolese minerals for over 30 years, and the European Union’s (EU) agreement with Rwanda on critical minerals.

Rwanda Profits from Congo’s Blood

Minister Julien Paluku strongly demanded that all minerals from Rwanda be labeled as "blood minerals."  Why? Because Rwanda gets these resources by killing Congolese people and stealing from their land. He criticized the EU for treating Rwanda as a "trusted partner" when, in reality, Rwanda has been fueling war and destruction for decades.

A Hidden Economic War

Thierry Mariani found the meeting very revealing. He noted that Julien Paluku, having been governor of North Kivu (a region directly affected by the crisis), understands the situation better than most.

Paluku explained that there are three major global crises today:

1. The Russia-Ukraine war

2. The Israel-Palestine conflict

3. The Rwandan invasion of Congo

   
   

For years, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has used the same lies to justify his aggression and talk about the FDLR rebel group, ethnic hatred, and other false narratives. But the truth is clear:

The war in Eastern Congo is about money, not security.  Rwanda wants to control Congo’s rich natural resources and make billions from them.

Europe’s Hypocrisy on Human Rights

The European Parliament claims to stand for justice and human rights. But if Europe defends Ukrainians against Russia, why does it ignore the suffering of Congolese people?

A human life is valuable whether the person is European or African. Thousands of innocent Congolese are murdered every year, yet the world looks the other way.

But now, change is coming. The EU is preparing to impose sanctions on Rwanda. Luxembourg, which was blocking the decision, has changed its position, and France has finally condemned Rwanda at the United Nations Security Council. Kagame is starting to be exposed for what he really is: A dictator invading his neighbor for profit. Because of this, the EU-Rwanda mineral agreement must be canceled immediately.

Proof That Rwanda Steals Congo’s Resources

Julien Paluku showed solid evidence to European lawmakers. 30 years ago, Rwanda barely produced any minerals. Today, Rwanda exports massive amounts of gold, coltan, and other valuable resources. But how?

• Rwanda has almost no natural mineral deposits

• Its mining industry magically exploded after invading Eastern Congo

  
  

It is obvious: Rwanda is looting Congo’s wealth. The ongoing war is not about security or politics but it’s a business of blood and destruction.

Julien Paluku reminded the world of a shocking reality:

• Over 10 million Congolese have died due to Rwanda’s aggression

• This is more than the number of people who died in the 1994 Rwandan genocide

  
  

Yet nobody talks about this genocide.  The world pretends it doesn’t exist.

Rwanda Must Be Removed from UN Peacekeeping Missions

The meeting also resulted in a final demand: Rwanda should be banned from sending troops to UN peacekeeping missions.

How can a country that causes war be trusted to bring peace?