Rwanda Considers Stricter Penalties to Combat Illegal Mining Under New Bill
Rwanda is once again contemplating stringent measures to curb illegal mining and mineral trade offenses with the introduction of the new Mining and Quarrying Operations Bill.
This move follows increased pressure from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the international community, which have accused Rwanda of facilitating the laundering of minerals stolen from the DRC and fueling conflict in Eastern Congo to exploit these resources illicitly.
Judith Uwizeye, Minister to the President of the Republic, highlighted the need to amend the existing 2018 law to impose harsher penalties that would effectively deter illegal activities in the mining sector.
She emphasized that the current penalties were too lenient and failed to discourage offenders given the high value of illicit gains in this industry.
“The penalties in the law were so lenient that people who committed offenses and mistakes in this sector [mining and quarrying] did not fear them because they did not deter relative to the value of the gains they obtained,” Uwizeye stated. “Penalties have been increased to deter those who commit offenses or mistakes in this mining and quarrying sector.”
The new bill aims to impose stricter sanctions on individuals involved in mining activities without permits, those with licenses who fail to comply with health and safety standards, and those who illegally handle dynamite in mining and quarrying operations.
The initiative comes amid allegations from the DRC government, which has called for an international embargo on mining products exported by Rwanda and Uganda.
The DRC Ministry of Mines recently accused these neighboring countries of engaging in fraud, smuggling, and supporting rebel movements, including the M23, to exploit mineral resources in Eastern Congo.
In a press release dated May 13, Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi, DRC Minister of Mines, emphasized the need for a responsible and transparent supply chain.
She urged the international community, including the United Nations and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), to support an embargo against Rwanda.
Such an embargo would aim to curb conflict financing through minerals, protect legitimate economic interests, and restore international peace and security.
“The Ministry of Mines of the DRC expects an unequivocal commitment from all stakeholders, including end consumers of mining products, for a healthy and responsible supply of mineral substances, and thus calls for an embargo against Rwanda to curb conflict financing, restore confidence, and protect human rights and international peace,” Kalambayi underscored.
SOURCE:mines-cd
