Rwandan authorities on Wednesday confirmed the country’s first oil discovery, identifying 13 reservoirs in Lake Kivu, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, shared the news during a parliamentary session, as reported by local media outlet Igihe.
Kamanzi stated that exploratory drilling in Lake Kivu revealed the presence of oil, adding that there is “confidence” in finding additional reserves. This optimism stems from significant oil deposits already discovered in neighboring countries, Uganda and the DRC, within the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda has been conducting tests and exploration in Lake Kivu for over a decade.
Despite ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has fueled tensions and a humanitarian crisis, Rwanda and the DRC have continued dialogue regarding resource exploration. The conflict includes the activities of the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23), which has captured significant territory and mining assets in the region.
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