In a significant geopolitical shift, Rwanda has announced its exit from the Economic Community of Central African States (Eccas) due to what it terms an unjust denial of its right to assume the chairmanship and growing tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda Exits Central African Bloc Amid Escalating Tensions with DR Congo
Rwanda Exits Central African Bloc Amid Escalating Tensions with DR Congo
Rwanda withdraws from the Economic Community of Central African States following a diplomatic conflict over its involvement in eastern DR Congo.
Rwanda's decision came after it was not allowed to assume the leadership role at a recent summit in Equatorial Guinea, which sparked a public rebuke. The Rwandan government asserted that it could no longer stay in an organization that it believes does not align with its founding principles, particularly in light of accusations linking it to the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC.
The conflict has escalated, with ongoing hostilities in DRC, where M23 controls significant territories, including Goma. This reinforces claims made last year by a UN report that pointed to Rwandan troops operating alongside the rebels. Rwanda, however, has consistently denied these allegations, claiming its military presence is solely defensive, aimed at protecting its border.
During the summit, DRC leaders condemned what they referred to as Rwandan aggression and demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory. Congolese spokesperson Patrick Muyaya emphasized that Rwanda's violation of regional principles should prompt a stronger stance against the nation. In this evolving narrative, regional diplomacy continues, with efforts, reportedly mediated by the US, to forge a peace plan expected to be finalized later this month.
Rwanda's previous exit from Eccas in 2007 and subsequent rejoining highlights the complexities of the relationship within Central African states, as tensions continue to mount over cross-border issues and territorial disputes.
For more updates on this developing story, please visit our website.
The conflict has escalated, with ongoing hostilities in DRC, where M23 controls significant territories, including Goma. This reinforces claims made last year by a UN report that pointed to Rwandan troops operating alongside the rebels. Rwanda, however, has consistently denied these allegations, claiming its military presence is solely defensive, aimed at protecting its border.
During the summit, DRC leaders condemned what they referred to as Rwandan aggression and demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory. Congolese spokesperson Patrick Muyaya emphasized that Rwanda's violation of regional principles should prompt a stronger stance against the nation. In this evolving narrative, regional diplomacy continues, with efforts, reportedly mediated by the US, to forge a peace plan expected to be finalized later this month.
Rwanda's previous exit from Eccas in 2007 and subsequent rejoining highlights the complexities of the relationship within Central African states, as tensions continue to mount over cross-border issues and territorial disputes.
For more updates on this developing story, please visit our website.
