FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2025
For media interviews contact
Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager
Washington, DC – On January 31, 2025, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) issued a call to action, sending a letter “Urgent Call for U.S. Action Against Rwanda’s Violation of DRC’s Territorial Integrity” to the United States (US) Secretary of State, and members of Congress. The letter appeals for immediate U.S. intervention to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sparked by worsening hostilities between the DRC armed forces and the Rwandan army allied to the M23 armed group. This crisis has intensified following M23’s takeover of Goma and expansion into South Kivu, prompting AFJN to warn of a looming “grave and humanitarian crisis” if the U.S. does not act.
“The US Government and the international community must take urgent and decisive action to stop the carnage in the DRC” said Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN). “The Africa Faith and Justice Network strongly urges the Trump Administration and members of Congress to consider strong measures to help halt the offensive by M23 that is raping women and killing civilians.”
On January 18, M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, launched a military operation to expand its territory, violating a ceasefire agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. The M23 has reportedly advanced further south towards Bukavu after taking Goma. The situation has taken a devastating turn, with the United Nations Human Rights documenting summary executions between January 26-28. There are also allegations of women being raped, including reports of gang rape. Furthermore, DRC officials reported that at least 165 women were raped by male inmates during a prison break in Goma’s Muzenze prison on January 27, amidst the M23’s assault on the town.
“We know that DRC’s rich mineral deposits are one of the causes of this unending conflict. While the United States has made legislative efforts and targeted sanctions to help halt conflict minerals trade, this escalating tragedy demonstrates that much needs to be done” continued Dr. Rogers. “Too many innocent lives have perished due to the quest for blood-minerals. ”
AFJN is a member of the Public Private Alliance for Responsible Trade (PPA) to combat illicit mineral trade fueling violence and human rights abuses in the DRC region.
“Foreign nations must hold state actors accountable with sanctions” said Dr. Rogers. “The United Nations reports continue to note the ongoing human rights violations. The US must use all means possible to ensure Rwanda ceases its support for M23 and withdraws its military presence from DRC.”
The DRC is rich in valuable minerals, including tin, coltan, tungsten and tantalum. However, allegations of illegal minerals trafficking have surfaced, with Global Witness reporting that up to 90% of Rwanda’s coltan exports may be sourced from eastern DRC. Furthermore, a UN expert report recently revealed that M23 militia is smuggling approximately 120 tons of coltan to Rwanda every four weeks, fueling concerns over illicit trade.
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- Read the “Urgent Call for U.S. Action Against Rwanda’s Violation of DRC’s Territorial Integrity” letter.
- Read the UN Security Council “Letter dated 27 December 2024 from the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo addressed to the President of the Security Council.”
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The Africa Faith and Justice Network is a faith-based, non-partisan coalition of 33 US-based religious communities of men and women. Inspired by the Gospel and informed by Catholic Social Teaching, AFJN seeks to educate and advocate for just US-Africa relations that empower Africans to be agents of their own destiny, thriving in a just and equitable society.
www.afjn.org
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Available for Interview:
Steven Nabieu Rogers, PhD
Executive Director
For media interviews contact:
Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager