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Mozambique: New Rwandan contingent in Cabo Delgado replaces existing one – minister
11:59 CAT | 06 Feb 2025
Photo: Ministério da Defesa Nacional - Moçambique
Mozambique’s defence minister, Cristóvão Chume, has clarified that the new Rwandan contingent deployed to Cabo Delgado will replace the troops already on the ground, ruling out the possibility of Kigali sending more soldiers.
“I’m not confirming the arrival of more Rwandan security forces, but I am confirming that the troops that were here at the beginning of the Rwandan mission in Mozambique have always been replaced,” said Cristóvão Chume, speaking to the media on Wednesday onthe sidelines of the inauguration of João Carlos Pires as the new director of the Centre for Strategic Analysis of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CAE/CPLP) in Maputo.
The Rwandan security forces (RSF) are sending a new contingent to support the fight against terrorist groups in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, according to information from the Rwandan ministry of defence, released on 31 January.
Major General Wilson Gumisiriza, commander of the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) Mechanised Infantry Division, on Thursday “briefed the Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) contingent ahead of their deployment to Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, the Rwandan ministry of defence announced at the time.
READ: Mozambique: Rwanda deploys new contingent to Cabo Delgado
“These moments occur from time to time and, for those who are less aware of how a military organisation is structured and functions, they may think that it is the sending of more troops to our country,” explained the Mozambican defence minister yesterday, adding that it was a “moment of refreshment”.
Since 2021, a force of more than 2,000 Rwandan soldiers has been fighting terrorist groups operating in Cabo Delgado province, particularly protecting the area where French company TotalEnergies has a natural gas exploration project, following an agreement between the two governments.
This force began to be reinforced in April 2024, following the progressive withdrawal of the military mission from southern African countries.
In November, the Council of the European Union (EU) approved an additional €20 million in support for the Rwandan forces fighting terrorism in Cabo Delgado, considering that this deployment “has been fundamental”.
The measure, a ‘complement’ to existing assistance under the European Peace Facility, aims to “continue to support the deployment of the Rwandan Defence Force in the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado,” a statement from the structure that brings together EU member states said at the time.
The Council said that this support would enable the purchase of personal equipment and cover the costs related to the strategic airlift needed to support the Rwandan deployment in Cabo Delgado.
This deployment began in July 2021, at the request of the Mozambican authorities, to support the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado and, according to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, “has been instrumental in making progress”.
The additional funding complements the parallel assistance measure, worth €89 million, to the Mozambique armed forces previously trained by the EU training mission Mozambique.
The European Peace Facility was created in March 2021 to finance EU external actions with military or defence implications, aimed at preventing conflicts, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability.
Since October 2017, the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado has been facing an armed rebellion with attacks claimed by movements associated with the extremist group Islamic State.
Source: Lusa
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