Rwanda quits ECCAS amid Congo dispute

Rwanda has announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). The withdrawal was triggered after ECCAS members decided to keep Equatorial Guinea as chair of the bloc, denying Rwanda the leadership role it had expected to assume at a summit held on Saturday.

The move comes amid rising tensions over the M23 rebel group’s activities in eastern Congo, which Kinshasa and international bodies say are supported by Rwanda, allegations Kigali denies.

Rwanda’s foreign ministry called the decision unfair and a violation of its rights within the 11-member regional body.
In a statement, Rwanda accused Congo of using the bloc for political gain and said it could no longer remain part of an organization that no longer followed its founding principles. It is not yet clear when Rwanda’s exit will officially take effect.

Congo responded by welcoming the bloc’s decision, saying ECCAS had recognized Rwanda’s aggression and called for its forces to leave Congolese territory. Fighting in the east has displaced thousands and raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

The M23 group captured key areas in eastern Congo earlier this year. While Congo and its allies say Rwanda backs the rebels with troops and weapons, Rwanda insists it is protecting its borders from hostile forces, including militias tied to the 1994 genocide.