Rwanda has announced plans to withdraw from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), signaling deepening regional tensions, particularly over the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The decision followed a weekend summit in Equatorial Guinea, where Rwanda had expected to assume the rotating chairmanship of the 11-member bloc. When the host nation retained the leadership position, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharply worded statement condemning the move as a “violation of Rwanda’s rights” and a departure from ECCAS’s founding principles.
“There is no justification for remaining in an organisation whose current functioning runs counter to its founding principles,” the ministry said, accusing the bloc of being influenced by the DRC’s political agenda. It remains unclear when Rwanda’s withdrawal will take effect.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions surrounding the M23 rebel group, which has seized key towns in eastern Congo this year. Kinshasa, along with the United Nations and several Western countries, accuses Kigali of backing the rebels with troops and arms—allegations Rwanda denies. Kigali maintains that its military operations are defensive, aimed at neutralizing Congolese-based militias with ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
In response to Rwanda’s alleged involvement, the office of DRC President Félix Tshisekedi said ECCAS member states had recognized Rwanda’s “aggression” and called for the withdrawal of its troops from Congolese territory.
The conflict has led to thousands of casualties and displacement, fueling fears of a wider regional war. Ongoing mediation efforts led by African leaders, the United States, and Qatar aim to de-escalate tensions and negotiate a peace deal.
Washington has expressed strong interest in regional stability, citing the importance of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth—including tantalum, cobalt, lithium, copper, and gold—for global technology and energy supply chains.
Founded in the 1980s to foster economic integration and regional security, ECCAS now faces a significant setback with Rwanda’s potential exit. The move threatens the bloc’s cohesion at a time when united action is crucial to resolving one of Africa’s most complex and volatile crises.
Nzubechukwu Eze
