Subject: Financial Support to the Rwandan Army via the European Peace Facility
Your Excellencies,
We, the members of Jambo ASBL, a Belgian-based organization committed to the defense of human rights and the promotion of justice in the Great Lakes region of Africa, address this letter to you with grave concern regarding recent media reports. As reported by Africa Intelligence on October 14, the Africa Working Party (COAFR) of the European Union Council has reportedly approved the allocation of €20 million to the Rwandan army via the European Peace Facility. If this information is accurate, it is deeply troubling.
It is important to remind EU Member States that the Rwandan army is currently involved in blatant violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The latest UN Security Council report, prepared by appointed experts, suggests that Rwandan officers have "de facto taken control and directed operations of the M23," a rebel group active in eastern DRC. According to these experts, the Rwandan troops deployed alongside the M23, estimated at 4,000 soldiers, outnumber the M23 militia members. The report formally accuses the Rwandan authorities of having "violated the integrity and sovereignty of the DRC" and holds them "responsible for the actions of the M23" due to their active support for the rebellion aimed at seizing Congolese territory.
It is equally important to highlight that the European Union, along with the United States, has imposed sanctions on several Rwandan military officers for their direct involvement in supporting the M23, looting in the DRC, and atrocities committed by this rebellion and Rwandan forces. The Rwandan army remains under U.S. sanctions for the use of child soldiers.
By providing open support to an army that the European Union and its Member States have condemned and sanctioned for grave breaches of peace, through the European Peace Facility, the EU risks making a decision that could be perceived as cynical and counterproductive. This would harm the EU's image among African nations and the states suffering from the actions of this army. Such an approach sets a dangerous precedent in foreign policy. It illustrates a double standard that could inevitably backfire on the Union in the future.
Furthermore, it is particularly concerning that key military figures involved in these violations remain in command of the Rwandan forces. Major General Alexis Kagame, recently appointed Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Reserve Force after coordinating Rwandan forces in Mozambique, is explicitly mentioned in the UN report as having participated in the operations supporting the M23 and destabilizing the DRC. His successor in Mozambique, General Emmanuel Ruvusha, was also cited by Human Rights Watch for his active role in M23 operations between 2012 and 2013. Where is the consistency in supporting an army whose top commanders are implicated in such atrocities?
The context in which this decision is being made is even more alarming in light of recent investigations by The New Humanitarian and Le Monde. Last week, they revealed widespread sexual abuses committed by Rwandan soldiers against women in the Central African Republic. These crimes, which are said to have been committed during a mission very similar to the one carried out in Mozambique, demonstrate a shocking level of impunity and the failure of the Rwandan authorities to take action against these atrocities. It is deeply troubling that this same army, responsible for such misconduct, is being considered a worthy recipient of financial support.
Moreover, the revelations of the "Rwanda Classified" investigation, led by major European media outlets, have already sparked considerable concern in Europe over the actions of the Rwandan regime. How can the European Union justify such aid to a regime whose abuses are regularly condemned by international organizations and the media?
Africa Intelligence reports that the EU has decided to provide this assistance on the condition that Rwanda commits not to use the funds to finance its war efforts in eastern DRC. This argument is simply untenable. If the EU funds Rwanda's operations in Mozambique, Rwanda can easily redirect its internal resources to support its military efforts in the DRC. Therefore, even if the European aid is officially allocated to Mozambique, it risks indirectly financing a brutal war in the DRC.
It is perfectly legitimate for the European Union to seek to protect its energy interests in Africa, particularly in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique. However, doing so by supporting an army guilty of violating the sovereignty of its neighbors, massacres, supporting terrorist groups, rape, sexual abuse, trafficking, and looting is morally and strategically unacceptable. It is unacceptable for European taxpayers' money to be used to fuel instability in Africa.
We therefore strongly urge Your Excellencies to reconsider this decision and to demonstrate firmness towards a regime whose actions not only threaten regional peace but also undermine the fundamental values of justice, human rights, and sovereignty that the European Union seeks to uphold.
Please accept, Your Excellencies, the assurances of our highest consideration.
Norman Ishimwe SINAMENYE
Jambo ASBL
Brussels, October 21, 2024