Rwanda has departed from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing political interference by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The decision – announced on Sunday, 8 June – followed a summit in Equatorial Guinea, where Rwanda was denied its scheduled turn as ECCAS chair, a role that remained with Equatorial Guinea.

Kigali condemned the move, accusing the DRC of manipulating the regional bloc and undermining its founding principles. Rwandan authorities said they saw no reason to remain in an organisation that no longer operated fairly.

The diplomatic fallout is the latest escalation in a long-running conflict between the two neighbours. Rwanda is widely accused by the DRC – as well as international actors, including the United States and France – of backing the M23 rebel group responsible for major offensives in eastern Congo.

A United Nations report estimated that thousands of Rwandan troops were operating alongside the rebels in 2024 – allegations Rwanda denies.

Despite the tensions, both countries are reportedly engaging in peace talks brokered by the United States, with a draft agreement expected later this month.

Rwanda previously left ECCAS in 2007, only to return several years later. Its latest withdrawal reduces ECCAS to 10 member states.

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