By Ebi Kesiena
Rwanda has confirmed its first-ever oil discovery, identifying 13 reservoirs in Lake Kivu, which straddles its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“We have oil,” announced Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board, during a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday, according to local media outlet Igihe.
Kamanzi disclosed that 13 exploratory wells in Lake Kivu had confirmed the presence of oil reserves. He expressed optimism about uncovering additional deposits, citing the significant oil reserves discovered by neighbouring Uganda and the DRC in the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda has been conducting exploratory operations and tests in Lake Kivu for more than a decade. Despite the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, the two countries have maintained dialogue regarding exploration efforts.
However, tensions remain high due to Rwanda-backed armed forces, known as the March 23 Movement (M23), which have taken control of territories and mining operations in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
