Rwanda has announced its decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for exploiting the organization for its own interests. This was revealed in a statement from Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Rwanda declares a breach of its rights, which are guaranteed by the founding documents of ECCAS. Consequently, Rwanda sees no reason to continue its participation in an organization whose operations contradict its foundational principles and objectives," the statement asserts.
Rwanda condemned the "use of ECCAS in favor of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), supported by certain member states." Kigali officials claim this "distortion of the organization's goals" was evident during the 26th Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Malabo when Rwanda's rotational right to chairmanship, as stipulated by Article 6 of the organization's charter, was "deliberately ignored to impose the DRC's will."
"Rwanda previously sent a letter to the Chairperson of the African Union condemning its illegal exclusion from participating in the 22nd Summit held in 2023 in Kinshasa under the DRC's chairmanship. The subsequent silence and inaction merely confirmed the organization's inability to adhere to its own regulations," the ministry pointed out.
In February, the Economic Community of Central African States urged Rwanda to immediately withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). ECCAS also condemned the activities of armed groups, including the "March 23 Movement" (M23), as well as separatist and terrorist networks operating in the region, urging them to lay down arms and participate in peace processes.
Written by Anna Bespalova
