Mozambique Lauds Rwanda's Crucial Role in Securing Cabo Delgado

Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo has lauded the crucial contribution of the Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) in the ongoing battle against terrorism within the Cabo Delgado province. During his visit to the RSF Headquarters in Mocímboa da Praia on Thursday, July 2, President Chapo paid heartfelt tribute to Rwanda's military deployment, acknowledging its pivotal role in safeguarding civilians and bringing stability to the northern Mozambican province, which lies along the Indian Ocean coast.

A statement released by the Rwanda Defence Force indicated that President Chapo expressed profound gratitude to the government of Rwanda, and specifically to its President, for the "unwavering support provided to Mozambique in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado." He further commended the Rwanda Security Force for its exemplary dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to protecting the civilian population and restoring overall security in the region.

President Chapo underscored the paramount importance of the strategic partnership between the Rwanda Security Force and the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM). He openly appreciated the strong cooperation demonstrated by the two forces in their joint efforts against terrorism and firmly pledged that this collaboration would continue to strengthen. The visit was an integral part of President Chapo's official tour of the Cabo Delgado Province, emphasizing the high-level commitment to regional security.

Accompanying President Chapo were several senior officials, including the country's Minister of National Defence, Maj Gen Cristóvão Artur Chume; FADM Army Commander, Maj Gen André Rafael Mahunguane; Chief of Staff of the Mozambican Navy, Brig Gen (Commodore) Óscar Agostinho Lucas; and other key government personnel. Prior to his meeting with Rwandan commanders, President Chapo also visited Mozambican troops stationed in Mocímboa da Praia. Upon his arrival at the district's airport, he was received by the Rwanda Security Force Joint Task Force Commander, Brig Gen CM Mujuni, alongside other senior RSF officers, before proceeding to engage in detailed discussions with the force's leadership.

Rwanda initially deployed its security forces to Cabo Delgado in July 2021, following an invitation from the Mozambican government, with the primary objective of assisting in the fight against terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State group. This insurgency had previously resulted in thousands of casualties, displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, and severely disrupted economic activities in the gas-rich province. Joint operations conducted by Rwandan and Mozambican forces have since led to significant improvements in security across several districts, enabling displaced communities to return to their homes, schools and businesses to resume operations, and major liquefied natural gas (LNG) investments to progressively restart. The Rwandan contingent has also expanded since its initial deployment, with more than 6,000 personnel currently serving in Mozambique under the robust bilateral security cooperation framework established between the two nations.