Rwanda has announced its decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), marking a new chapter in escalating tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The announcement came on the same day Rwanda expected to assume the rotating chairmanship of the 11-member regional bloc.
Instead of handing over the leadership role, ECCAS extended Equatorial Guinea’s tenure as chair, prompting a strong reaction from Rwanda’s foreign ministry. Kigali described the move as a clear violation of its rights as a member state. The ministry further criticized the bloc’s direction, accusing it of abandoning its founding principles and allowing itself to be influenced by political agendas.
In a statement, Rwanda accused the DRC of manipulating ECCAS processes for its own gain. “There is no justification for remaining in an organization whose current functioning runs counter to its founding principles,” the statement read.
While Rwanda’s departure from the bloc has been declared, it remains unclear when the exit will take full effect.
The root of the dispute lies in the resurgence of M23 rebels in eastern Congo. M23, a group long suspected of receiving backing from Rwanda, has been involved in intense fighting throughout the year. The group managed to capture two major cities in eastern DRC, triggering mass displacement, civilian deaths, and fears of broader regional conflict.
The Congolese presidency welcomed ECCAS’s decision, saying the bloc had recognized Rwanda’s aggression and demanded that Rwandan troops withdraw from Congolese territory.
Meanwhile, Rwanda maintains that it has not supported M23, claiming instead that its forces are acting in self-defense. Kigali argues that the presence of Congolese troops and hostile ethnic Hutu militias linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide near its borders justifies its actions.
International efforts to ease tensions continue. Both African leaders and global powers like the United States and Qatar are pushing for a peace deal. Such a resolution is seen as crucial not only for regional stability but also for securing foreign investments in eastern Congo, an area rich in valuable minerals such as gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and tantalum.
Founded in the 1980s, ECCAS was created to promote regional cooperation in economic development and security. However, the current standoff between Rwanda and Congo raises questions about the bloc’s ability to maintain unity during times of political crisis.
By Lucky Anyanje