By Patrice Katuma
Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda has announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and what it perceives as the bloc’s compromised principles. The decision comes after Rwanda was blocked from assuming its scheduled turn as president of the 11-member regional organization.
The move underscores the escalating friction between Rwanda and the DR Congo, largely fueled by the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has seized control of significant territory in the region, including major cities, sparking a broader war between the two nations.
Kigali was slated to take over the rotating presidency of ECCAS during a meeting held Saturday in Equatorial Guinea. However, the bloc opted to extend Equatorial Guinea’s tenure, a decision the Rwandan Foreign Ministry condemned as a “violation of its rights.”
In a statement released Sunday, Rwanda accused the DR Congo of “instrumentalizing” the bloc to its own advantage. “Rwanda sees no justification for remaining in an organization whose current functioning runs counter to its founding principles,” the statement read.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that ECCAS’s decision to block Rwanda from the presidency was largely driven by concerns surrounding the conflict in the DR Congo and broader questions regarding democratic erosion within Rwanda. The bloc appears wary of appearing to legitimize Rwanda’s actions in the conflict zone.
The withdrawal marks a significant setback for regional cooperation and raises questions about the future of ECCAS’s ability to mediate and address the complex security challenges facing Central Africa. Observers are closely watching to see how this development will further impact relations between Rwanda and the DR Congo and the overall stability of the region.
