The decision to leave the bloc comes as Rwanda faces international scrutiny for allegedly supporting rebel factions in eastern DR Congo, with current peace talks still in progress.
Rwanda Exits Central African Bloc Amidst DR Congo Tensions
Rwanda Exits Central African Bloc Amidst DR Congo Tensions
Rwanda's withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States follows accusations of its involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda has announced its exit from the Economic Community of Central African States (Eccas) following a contentious diplomatic dispute over its alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The announcement came after Rwanda was unable to assume the chairmanship of the 11-member bloc during a meeting held in Equatorial Guinea.
In its statement, Rwanda expressed disappointment that its right to take up the chairmanship was overlooked, implying this was done to impose the DR Congo's will on the regional body. As a result, officials stated that there was no reason for Rwanda to stay within an organization that they believe contradicts its founding principles and overall purpose.
This diplomatic rift comes amidst ongoing efforts to address the violent clashes in eastern DR Congo. Both Rwanda and DR Congo have been engaged in negotiations, facilitated by the United States, to finalize a peace plan anticipated to be signed later this month. However, the situation within the Eccas remains strained.
During the summit, the leaders present acknowledged Rwanda's alleged aggressions towards DR Congo and mandated the country to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory. Statements from Congolese officials emphasized that continued violations of regional principles by Rwanda should serve as an example for other regional organizations to maintain a tougher stance against the nation.
Rwanda has faced accusations from both the Congolese government and international actors, including the US and France, of backing the M23 rebel group that has seized significant territory in eastern DR Congo. A report from UN experts indicated that as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops may be collaborating with these rebels. Rwanda, however, has categorically denied such allegations, contending that its military presence is focused on safeguarding its borders from the ongoing conflict.
This is not the first time Rwanda has left Eccas; the country previously withdrew in 2007 but later rejoined the organization with the objective of enhancing cooperation and integration within central Africa.
In its statement, Rwanda expressed disappointment that its right to take up the chairmanship was overlooked, implying this was done to impose the DR Congo's will on the regional body. As a result, officials stated that there was no reason for Rwanda to stay within an organization that they believe contradicts its founding principles and overall purpose.
This diplomatic rift comes amidst ongoing efforts to address the violent clashes in eastern DR Congo. Both Rwanda and DR Congo have been engaged in negotiations, facilitated by the United States, to finalize a peace plan anticipated to be signed later this month. However, the situation within the Eccas remains strained.
During the summit, the leaders present acknowledged Rwanda's alleged aggressions towards DR Congo and mandated the country to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory. Statements from Congolese officials emphasized that continued violations of regional principles by Rwanda should serve as an example for other regional organizations to maintain a tougher stance against the nation.
Rwanda has faced accusations from both the Congolese government and international actors, including the US and France, of backing the M23 rebel group that has seized significant territory in eastern DR Congo. A report from UN experts indicated that as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops may be collaborating with these rebels. Rwanda, however, has categorically denied such allegations, contending that its military presence is focused on safeguarding its borders from the ongoing conflict.
This is not the first time Rwanda has left Eccas; the country previously withdrew in 2007 but later rejoined the organization with the objective of enhancing cooperation and integration within central Africa.
