Rwanda ECCAS Withdrawal: Latest News & Impact
- Rwanda has announced its departure from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), alleging a "drift" favoring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- The Movement of 23-March (M23), an armed group reportedly backed by Rwandan military support, has made meaningful advances in eastern DRC since January.
- A commissioner within ECCAS, speaking anonymously, told AFP that tensions flared at the June 7 conference when the mandate of Equato-Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was extended.
Rwanda’s dramatic withdrawal from the economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) signals a significant shift in regional dynamics amid escalating tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kigali’s move, citing the DRC’s undue influence, follows mounting accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebels.This has created a complex situation, as the conflict in eastern DRC intensifies. Sources say that the withdrawal was sparked by the DRC creating a hostile environment for Rwanda, which was slated to assume leadership. This Rwanda withdrawal from ECCAS exacerbates the ongoing regional tensions and adds more fuel to the DRC conflict. News Directory 3 reports on the latest developments in this fast-moving story. Diplomatic efforts, including U.S.-led discussions, are ongoing between Rwanda and the DRC. Discover what’s next as the situation unfolds.
Rwanda Withdraws From Central African Economic Community Amid DRC Tensions
Updated June 9, 2025
Rwanda has announced its departure from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), alleging a “drift” favoring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision comes against a backdrop of escalating conflict in eastern DRC.
The Movement of 23-March (M23), an armed group reportedly backed by Rwandan military support, has made meaningful advances in eastern DRC since January. These advances have included seizing key cities and territories, resulting in thousands of casualties. Several members of the international community, including Belgium, have criticized Kigali for its alleged support of the M23.
A commissioner within ECCAS, speaking anonymously, told AFP that tensions flared at the June 7 conference when the mandate of Equato-Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was extended. Rwanda was slated to assume leadership. The commissioner reported the DRC minister stated that if Rwanda takes over, they will not be able to go to Rwanda for community activities or events.Burundi is also on the same path.
“Rwanda deplores the instrumentalization of ECCS by the DRC with the support of certain member states… Rwanda sees no reason to maintain its belonging to an organization whose operation is now contrary to its principles and its usefulness.”
Rwandan diplomacy in a statement
Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on X that it is indeed “amazing and unacceptable” that while diplomatic efforts are underway between Kigali and kinshasa, the DRC continues to complain in regional and international organizations, accusing Rwanda and seeking sanctions. The Rwanda withdrawal highlights the ongoing regional tensions and the DRC conflict.
Presidents Paul kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of Congo met in Qatar in March to discuss a potential ceasefire. The two nations are also engaged in U.S.-facilitated discussions.
What’s next
Despite Rwanda’s exit from ECCAS, diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and the DRC are expected to continue, notably those facilitated by the United States, in hopes of achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.