Rwanda has announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) amid rising tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The fallout follows ECCAS’s decision to block Rwanda from assuming the presidency of the bloc, extending Equatorial Guinea’s leadership instead. Kigali condemned the move as a violation of its rights and accused Congo of manipulating the bloc for political gain. The rift comes after the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group captured large areas of eastern Congo, sparking a regional crisis. ECCAS formally acknowledged Rwanda’s military presence in Congo and called for withdrawal—prompting Kigali to exit the bloc, saying the organization no longer aligns with its founding principles.
DW
