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Mozambique: Rwanda deploys new contingent to Cabo Delgado
2:21 CAT | 31 Jan 2025
Photo: @RwandaMoD/X
The Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) are to deploy a new contingent to support the fight against rebels groups in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, according to the Rwandan authorities.
According to information from the Rwandan Ministry of Defence, 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 briefing, held at Kami Military Barracks in Kigali, included members of the RDF [Rwanda Defence Forces] and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) as they prepare for their mission, based on bilateral arrangements between Rwanda and Mozambique,” the same information states, without providing further information on the contingent to be deployed.
This deployment coincides with reports of several incursions by terrorist groups in Cabo Delgado, with deaths reported, but also of children kidnapped in the district of Mocímboa da Praia, according to local sources.
Addressing the contingent, Major General Gumisiriza “urged them to uphold RDF’s values, maintain discipline, and embody teamwork to effectively represent Rwanda,” according to the same information from the Rwandan Ministry of Defence.
“This mission highlights the continued partnership between Rwanda and Mozambique, reinforcing the agreements that strengthen cooperation between the two nations.”, adds the Rwandan government.
A force of more than two thousand Rwandan soldiers has been fighting terrorist groups operating in the province of Cabo Delgado since 2021, in particular protecting the area where the French company TotalEnergies has a venture to explore natural gas, following an agreement between the two governments.
This force began to be reinforced in April, following the gradual withdrawal of the military mission from the southern African countries.
In November, the Council of the European Union (EU) approved an additional €20 million in support for Rwandan forces in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado, considering that this deployment “has been crucial”.
The measure, a “complement” to existing assistance under the European Peace Facility, aims to “continue supporting 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 indicated at the time.
The document also stated that this support would enable the acquisition of personal equipment, and cover costs related to the strategic airlift needed to sustain 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 to make progress”.
The additional funding the parallel assistance measure worth €89 million for the Mozambican Armed Forces previously trained by the EU Training Mission (EUTM) 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.
On behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) leadership, Major General Wilson Gumisiriza, Commander of the Mechanised Infantry Division, this morning briefed the Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) contingent ahead of their deployment to Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique.… pic.twitter.com/cx34ywnFBK
— Rwanda Defence Force (@RwandaMoD) January 30, 2025
Source: Lusa
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