KIGALI – Rwandan President Paul Kagame has denied allegations of mineral theft from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), instead accusing South Africa of being the primary beneficiary of Congo’s resources through its peacekeeping missions.
In a CNN interview, Kagame challenged critics to visit Rwanda’s coltan mines, rejecting claims that his country exports minerals smuggled from DRC. He suggested South Africa and European nations are the main profiteers from Congo’s mineral wealth.
The accusations come amid heightened regional tensions following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers serving in the SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC). Kagame questioned SAMIDRC’s legitimacy, describing it as “a belligerent force” rather than a peacekeeping mission.
DRC produces approximately 70% of global cobalt, crucial for electric vehicle batteries and smartphones. A June 2024 report by the Institute for Security Studies highlighted widespread organized crime in DRC’s mineral supply chain, including smuggling and corruption.
“I don’t think Tshisekedi himself is interested in war, but he has been encouraged in that direction by people showing up to fight his wars,” Kagame said, referring to DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi.
The dispute has intensified following Kagame’s public criticism of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on social media platform X, where he accused SAMIDRC of working alongside “genocidal armed groups.”
Security experts predict cobalt demand will quadruple by 2030, primarily driven by electric vehicle production. The report details sophisticated smuggling operations through DRC’s borders with Zambia, Burundi, and Tanzania, often involving forged documentation and corrupt officials.
