Hidden invasion: Rwanda's covert war in the Congo
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Rwanda Withdraws from ECCAS Over Congo Presidency Dispute
Above: Gabon's then-President Ali Bongo Ondimba hands over the flag to Congo's Félix Tshisekedi, the incoming president of the ECCAS, at the 22nd ordinary session of the ECCAS in Kinshasa on Feb. 25, 2023. Image copyright: Guylain Kipoke/Contributor/AfrikImages/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Rwanda's withdrawal is a justified response to Congo's manipulation of ECCAS for political purposes. The bloc violated its founding principles by denying Rwanda its rightful turn at the presidency, demonstrating institutional failure. This instrumentalization makes continued membership pointless when the organization abandons impartiality.
Narrative B
ECCAS correctly prioritized regional stability over procedural rotation by blocking an aggressor nation from leadership. Rwanda's military support for M23 rebels violates Congolese sovereignty and undermines regional peace. The bloc's decision sends a clear message that countries cannot violate the territorial integrity of others while expecting to lead regional institutions.