Rwanda Pulls Out of Regional Bloc, Cites Violation of Protocols

Rwanda has withdrawn from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), accusing the organization of consistently violating its rights as a member and failing to uphold its founding principles.

Rwanda was next in line to assume the rotating chairmanship of the 11-member bloc, but claimed the process was being manipulated to serve the interests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Kigali alleged that DR Congo, with support from certain member states, was using ECCAS mechanisms to exert undue influence.

Rwanda has previously brought its concerns to the African Union, citing repeated breaches of ECCAS protocols. Meanwhile, Kigali faces allegations of backing the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo—a militia that has made significant territorial gains this year, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu.