The Equatorial Guinean capital, Malabo, hosted the 26th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) on Saturday 7 June 2025, under the theme of ‘consolidating the achievements of the ECCAS reform to accelerate regional integration and the construction of a community of destiny in Central Africa’.
The 26th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) was held on 7 June 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, under the theme ‘consolidating the achievements of the ECCAS reform to accelerate regional integration and the construction of a community of destiny in Central Africa’, in the presence of several Heads of State from the sub-region. This session reinforced key issues such as regional integration, maritime security, democratic governance and financing.
The ECCAS summit was held with the extension of Equatorial Guinea’s presidency and the withdrawal of Rwanda. Equatorial Guinea stayed on by default because normally candidatures are proposed on a rotating basis. It was Rwanda’s turn. Except that Congo and Burundi rejected Rwanda’s candidacy on the grounds that this country is guilty of aggression and occupation of the territory of one of the member states of the Economic Community of Central African States, which is contrary to the statutes of this sub-regional organisation.
Kerwin MAYIZO, Political analyst
While managing internal concerns, in particular the withdrawal of Rwanda and the exceptional extension of the rotating presidency, it emerged from the various speeches that ECCAS must resolutely turn towards action and institutional consolidation. The Chairman of the African Union Commission, who was represented at the event, reaffirmed the pivotal role of ECCAS in the continental integration architecture, which necessarily involves peace, security, stability and above all the economy.
Equatorial Guinea, by default, continues its mandate. While Rwanda is leaving the ship, much to the delight of Burundi, which feels threatened by Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose government spokesman declared that lobbying and lies cannot continue to preside over the objectives of an organisation. So this minister welcomed Rwanda’s departure and exclusion.
Kerwin MAYIZO, Political analyst
The transfer of the presidency-in-office, initially planned for Rwanda, was delayed due to objections raised by the DRC and Burundi. Following the 26th summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Rwanda announced its withdrawal from the organisation, denouncing the confiscation of the rotating presidency and the growing influence of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the community’s internal affairs. Equatorial Guinea will continue to hold the ECCAS presidency for a further year.
