Rwanda has been excluded from its upcoming role as the rotating president of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). The decision was made on Saturday, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) citing accusations of Rwanda’s support for rebel groups in the eastern region of the DRC. The exclusion marks a significant development in the regional tensions between the two nations, which have been escalating over the past year.
The DR Congo government has accused Rwanda of providing support to the so-called M23 rebel group, which has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern provinces. This accusation has led to a diplomatic standoff between the two countries, with the DRC withdrawing from the CEMAC presidency. Rwanda, on the other hand, has denied the allegations and accused the DRC of using the issue to block its bid for the presidency.
The CEMAC, which comprises seven countries in Central Africa, including Chad, Cameroon, and Gabon, plays a crucial role in the region’s economic integration. Rwanda’s exclusion from the presidency is seen as a setback for the group’s efforts to maintain regional stability and cooperation. The move has also raised concerns about the future of regional governance and the potential for further conflict in the region.
Analysts say that the dispute between Rwanda and the DRC highlights the complex political dynamics in the region. With both countries having significant military and economic influence, the situation remains delicate. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation for economic development and peace in Central Africa.