Specific Remarks:

Rwanda is a member state of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). It is also located in two of the ICGLR's zones: Zone 1, along with South-Western Uganda and Eastern DRC, and Zone 10, along with North-Western Burundi and South-Western Rwanda, according to the ICGLR. Rwanda is actively involved in the ICGLR's efforts to promote peace, security, and development in the Great Lakes Region.

Rwanda demonstrates its commitment to the ICGLR's goals through various actions, such as participating in meetings, implementing regional initiatives, and engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes with neighboring countries.

Rwanda Minerals Certification Situation

Rwanda is actively working to certify its mineral exports as "conflict-free" to comply with international standards and address concerns about the potential link between minerals and conflict in the Great Lakes region. While Rwanda has implemented the iTSCi system and issued some ICGLR certificates, the regional certification mechanism is still under development and faces challenges related to independent audits and transparency. This has led to concerns from some buyers, impacting Rwanda's mineral trade.

Here's a more detailed look at the situation:

Rwanda's Efforts:

• 1. iTSCi System:

• Rwanda has been implementing the iTSCi system, a global initiative for tagging and sealing minerals, since 2010, to track and verify the origin of minerals like tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3T minerals).

• 2. ICGLR Certification:

• Rwanda was the first country in the region to issue an ICGLR certificate, a regional certification mechanism aimed at curbing illicit mineral trade.

• 3. Compliance with Dodd-Frank:

• Rwanda has also been working to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act, a US law requiring due diligence and traceability for minerals from the Great Lakes region.

Challenges and Concerns:

• 1. Incomplete Regional Mechanism:

• The ICGLR certification mechanism is not yet fully recognized internationally due to missing key structures like independent third-party audits.

• 2. Smuggling and Theft:

• Mineral smuggling (from neighboring countries) and theft (within Rwanda) are ongoing concerns that hinder the effectiveness of due diligence efforts.

• 3. Buyer Hesitancy:

• Despite Rwanda's efforts, some international buyers, particularly those listed on the New York Stock Exchange, are still hesitant to purchase minerals from the region due to concerns about potential links to conflict.

• 4. Impact on Trade:

• The delayed implementation of the regional certification mechanism and lingering buyer concerns have negatively impacted Rwanda's mineral trade.

Overall:

Rwanda is actively working to address the challenges associated with mineral certification and due diligence, but further progress is needed to ensure full international recognition and market access for its minerals. The success of these efforts hinges on the effective implementation of the regional certification mechanism and continued collaboration among regional countries.