Rwanda has declared its immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing the organization’s alleged manipulation by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its failure to uphold core principles of regional cooperation.
The decision, announced following a contentious summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, underscores escalating diplomatic tensions in Central Africa, particularly over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo.
The move comes after ECCAS leaders blocked Rwanda from assuming the bloc’s rotating chairmanship, a role Kigali claims was its right under the organization’s charter.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry accused the DRC of “instrumentalizing” ECCAS with support from certain member states, arguing that the bloc has been distorted to serve Kinshasa’s agenda.
“This deliberate violation of our rights and the organization’s principles leaves us no choice but to exit,” a Rwandan government spokesperson stated.
The root of the dispute lies in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, seized control of two major cities earlier this year, displacing thousands and raising fears of a broader regional war.
At the Malabo summit, ECCAS leaders issued a statement acknowledging “aggression against the DRC by Rwanda” and demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese soil, a charge Kigali denies.
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya criticized Rwanda, stating, “One cannot violate the principles of our regional institutions and still seek to lead them.”
This is not Rwanda’s first departure from ECCAS. In 2007, the country exited the bloc, only to rejoin years later, citing a commitment to regional integration. However, analysts suggest this latest withdrawal signals deeper frustrations with ECCAS’s effectiveness.
“Rwanda’s exit highlights the dysfunction within regional bodies,” said an analyst on matters great lakes region, reflecting a sentiment echoed across social media.
Some see parallels with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s recent exit from ECOWAS, pointing to a growing trend of African states questioning the relevance of such organizations.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of Rwanda’s move argue that ECCAS has failed to address regional security impartially, while critics warn that Kigali’s withdrawal could isolate it diplomatically and hinder efforts to resolve the Congo conflict.
Meanwhile, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing for a peace accord between Rwanda and the DRC, aiming to stabilize the mineral-rich region and unlock billions in Western investment.
It remains unclear whether Rwanda’s exit will take immediate effect or face procedural delays, as ECCAS has yet to issue an official response. For now, the departure marks a significant setback for Central African unity, with ripple effects likely to shape the region’s geopolitical landscape.
As the situation develops, observers are watching closely to see whether Rwanda’s move will prompt further exits or spur reforms within ECCAS, an organization founded in the 1980s to foster cooperation in security and economic affairs among its 11 member states.