Rwanda withdrew from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) following a dispute over its alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. Rwanda was scheduled to assume the ECCAS chairmanship but was blocked due to accusations of aggression against the DRC. Despite ongoing peace negotiations mediated by the US, the DRC government and international observers accuse Rwanda of backing the M23, a claim Rwanda denies. This is not the first time Rwanda has left ECCAS; it rejoined after a previous withdrawal in 2007.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.