Statement from the DRC Diaspora Desk on West Virginia Senate Resolution 34
Statement from the DRC Diaspora Desk on West Virginia Senate Resolution 34
The DRC Diaspora Desk applauds the West Virginia Senate for its unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 34, which calls for the cessation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, and accountability for those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. We especially recognize the leadership of Senators Roberts, Deeds, Taylor, Bartlett, Rucker, Fuller, Smith, Woodrum, Hamilton, Morris, Charnock, and Willis for their commitment to justice and peace.
For decades, the people of the DRC have endured immense suffering due to Rwanda-backed conflicts that have claimed over 6 million lives, countless others, and led to the continued plundering of Congo’s vast natural resources. The West Virginia Senate’s clear and unequivocal condemnation of Rwanda’s aggression is a necessary and urgent step toward ending this crisis.
Rwanda’s continued support of armed groups, including the M23 rebels, has fueled instability, enabling the mass exploitation of the DRC’s gold and coltan—resources that should be contributing to the prosperity of the Congolese people rather than financing war. Rwanda exports an estimated $800 million in gold and nearly $1 million per month in coltan, despite lacking significant domestic sources of these minerals. This illegal trade directly incentivizes violence and prolongs the suffering of innocent civilians.
The DRC Diaspora Desk calls on more U.S. legislators—both at the state and federal levels—to follow West Virginia’s lead by taking a firm stand against Rwanda’s violations of international law. Resolutions like SR 34 send a strong message that war crimes, resource theft, and mass displacement cannot be tolerated.
Furthermore, we urge U.S. policymakers to take concrete steps to eliminate the economic incentives driving this conflict by ensuring that mineral trade policies do not enable or reward those responsible for the suffering of the Congolese people.
We thank the West Virginia Senate for taking this principled stand and urge more leaders to act in defense of human rights, sovereignty, and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
DRC Diaspora Desk/Action for Congo
For inquiries, please contact Nils Kinuani at nilskinuani@gmail.com or Jacques Bahati at bahati@afjn.org
About:
The DRC Diaspora Desk is a coalition of Congolese organizations, leaders, advocates and allies committed to collective action to benefit the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a hub for coordinated advocacy, we work to ensure that Congolese voices are heard.
