Rwanda has formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing ongoing violations of its rights as a member and the bloc’s failure to uphold its own core principles.
The East African nation was next in line to assume the rotating chairmanship of ECCAS, which comprises 11 member states. However, Rwanda alleges that this process was manipulated to serve the political interests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with alleged support from other member countries.
According to Rwandan authorities, this maneuver was aimed at “imposing DR Congo’s diktat” within the regional organization, undermining fair leadership rotation and decision-making processes.
Rwanda stated that it had previously raised these concerns with the African Union, pointing to what it calls consistent breaches of ECCAS protocols.
The withdrawal comes amid ongoing tensions between Rwanda and DR Congo, with Kigali being accused of backing the M23 rebel group. The group has reportedly gained control of key eastern cities, including Goma and Bukavu, earlier this year.
