Rwanda Quits Central African Bloc Amid Escalating Tensions with DR Congo

By iNewsAfrica Staff Writer

Rwanda has formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), accusing the bloc of political bias in favor of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move underscores growing regional instability fueled by the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

• Rwanda pulls out of ECCAS after being denied rotating chairmanship.

• Kigali accuses the bloc of being used as a political tool by DRC.

• Tensions surge over allegations of Rwanda backing M23 rebels in eastern Congo.

• ECCAS unity threatened amid wider regional security crisis.

KIGALI — Rwanda has officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), deepening an already tense diplomatic standoff with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Rwandan government announced its exit after what it described as a “politically motivated” decision by the bloc to extend Equatorial Guinea’s chairmanship, bypassing Rwanda’s turn to lead.

According to Rwandan officials, the decision was influenced by the DRC’s growing sway within ECCAS, following heated objections from Kinshasa over Kigali assuming the helm of the bloc. Delegates from the DRC had earlier threatened to boycott any ECCAS events held in Rwanda.

“This shows how regional mechanisms can be hijacked for political expediency,” a senior Rwandan diplomat told local media. “ECCAS has lost its neutrality.”

The fallout comes amid renewed fighting in eastern DRC, where Congolese forces are battling the M23 rebel group—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, a claim Kigali strongly denies. The conflict has led to the displacement of thousands and has drawn international concern.

Rwanda’s withdrawal from ECCAS marks a significant shift in regional dynamics. The 11-member bloc, which focuses on economic integration and conflict resolution, now faces an uphill task in maintaining cohesion and credibility as a mediator in Central Africa’s security challenges.

International actors, including the African Union, United States, and Qatar, have ramped up diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis. However, Rwanda’s departure signals a growing fracture in multilateral cooperation, raising fears of further isolation and instability in the Great Lakes region.

As regional tensions mount, observers warn that without constructive engagement and inclusive diplomacy, the crisis risks spilling beyond national borders—complicating peacebuilding efforts across Central Africa.

Developing story. More updates to follow on iNewsAfrica.