Equatorial Guinea will continue its role as Chair of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) until the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda is resolved. This decision was made during the 26th Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Malabo. The announcement came from the DRC President's office via a communiqué summarizing the summit's outcomes.
"The decision has been made for Equatorial Guinea to retain its position as Chair of the organization, despite plans for Rwanda to assume the role, until the disagreements between Rwanda and the DRC are fully resolved," the communiqué states.
On June 8, Rwanda declared its withdrawal from ECCAS, accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of manipulating the organization for its own benefit. Officials in Kigali claim that this "distortion of the organization's objectives" was evident during the 26th summit when Rwanda's right to chairmanship on a rotational basis, as outlined by Article 6 of the organization's charter, was "deliberately overlooked to impose the DRC's agenda."
In February, ECCAS called on Rwanda to immediately withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The community also criticized the activities of armed groups including the "March 23 Movement" (M23), as well as separatist movements and terrorist networks operating within the region, urging them to disarm and participate in peace processes.
Written by Anna Bespalova
