Rwanda has announced it will leave the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), accusing the bloc of violating its rights and siding with the Democratic Republic of Congo in a widening regional conflict fueled by the M23 rebel offensive.

Kigali’s decision came after ECCAS members voted to retain Equatorial Guinea as chair instead of transferring leadership to Rwanda, as expected. Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry denounced the move as “a violation of its rights” and cited a breakdown of trust within the bloc.

“There is no justification for remaining in an organization whose current functioning runs counter to its founding principles,” the statement read.

Congo and Allies Condemn Rwandan “Aggression”

The Congolese presidency welcomed the outcome, claiming ECCAS had acknowledged “aggression against the Democratic Republic of Congo by Rwanda” and called on Kigali to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory. The M23 group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has seized eastern Congo’s two largest cities this year, with thousands killed and a looming risk of wider war.

Rwanda denies aiding M23, insisting its military acts only in self-defense against Congolese forces and ethnic Hutu militia linked to the 1994 genocide.

Regional and Global Stakes in the Conflict

The ECCAS crisis complicates ongoing peace efforts led by African Union, the U.S., and Qatar. Washington hopes to broker a deal that would reduce hostilities and unlock mineral investment in a region rich in gold, cobalt, tantalum, copper, and lithium.

ECCAS, formed in the 1980s to promote security and economic cooperation, is now divided over how to address the spiraling conflict.