Rwanda has announced its departure from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) following a diplomatic fallout over its involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The decision came after Rwanda was prevented from assuming the chairmanship of the bloc at a summit in Equatorial Guinea, a role that rotates among its 11 member states.
In a statement, Rwanda expressed frustration, claiming its right to lead ECCAS was ignored in favor of DR Congo’s influence over the organization.
“We see no justification for remaining in an institution that contradicts its founding principles,”.
The move comes as peace negotiations between Rwanda and DR Congo continue under US mediation, with a draft peace plan expected later this month.
However, the ECCAS summit openly recognized Rwanda as an aggressor in the conflict and called for its troops to withdraw from Congolese soil, a stance echoed by DR Congo’s government.
