The UK Foreign Office has issued a significant travel warning for two African nations, advising on essential travel restrictions. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance regarding travel between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically noting the "addition of information about travel between Rwanda and DRC for humanitarian missions and essential travel."
Border Crossings at Risk of Closure
The update, released on Wednesday, June 10, warns that border crossings at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu may close at short notice. These crossings are currently under the control of the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and the M23 rebel group. The FCDO statement emphasizes that transit from the DRC through Rwanda is only permitted in exceptional circumstances related to humanitarian missions and essential travel. Such travel is subject to a health risk assessment, destination-country requirements, transport operator policies, and public health regulations, as well as approval from Rwandan authorities.
Ebola Outbreak and Travel Restrictions
The warning follows the Ebola outbreak in the region, which has led to strict measures. The FCDO advises that only those on critical humanitarian or essential travel missions may cross, and only after meeting all health and approval criteria.
Conflict Minerals and Global Brands
The travel advisory comes amid reports that global brands may be using minerals that fund rebels accused of atrocities in the DRC. Alex Kopp, senior policy and advocacy adviser at Global Witness, stated: “Behind our everyday tech lies a supply chain tainted by violence, exploitation and human suffering.” The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) expressed deep concern about the security and human rights situation in eastern DRC. In a statement, the RMI said: “We are also aware that market dynamics and significant production from Rubaya, along with global recognition of the illegality of these minerals, create serious incentives to work outside of or to subvert formal trade systems, and thus significant vigilance remains crucial.”
RMI's Response and Due Diligence
The RMI highlighted its program-level actions over the past three years, including additional guidance to smelters and assessors, customised training, and enhanced quality assurance. It also values the role of civil society organisations in identifying risks and has requested detailed data from Global Witness. The RMI conducted a thorough internal review of allegations and bases its assessments on consistent, detailed, independent review of due diligence and supply-chain data points, including hundreds or thousands of transactions per facility. The organisation shares the concern over conflict financing and commits to proactive monitoring.
