Rwanda secures Sh2.7 billion EU boost for anti-terror mission in Mozambique
By Amina Wako |
Cabo Delgado has been facing an armed insurgency since 2017 that has disrupted several multi-billion-dollar oil and natural gas projects.
Rwanda is set to receive an additional Sh2.7 billion ( €20 million) from the European Peace Facility to reinforce its military efforts in combating terrorism in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. This funding supplements the Rwandan Defense Force's (RDF) ongoing deployment, which began in July 2021 at the invitation of Mozambican authorities.
On November 18, the European Council announced the funding, reaffirming its commitment to restoring stability in the region, which terror groups have ravaged for years. The support will finance personal equipment for RDF troops and cover strategic airlift costs essential for sustaining operations in Cabo Delgado.
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"This support will enable the acquisition of personal equipment and cover costs related to the strategic airlift required to sustain the Rwandan deployment," the European Council said in a statement.
The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasised the crucial role Rwandan forces played in stabilising Cabo Delgado, particularly after the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) withdrew.
"The presence of the Rwanda Defence Force troops has been instrumental to making progress and remains key, especially given the recent withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). This top-up measure is a testimony of the EU’s support for ‘African solutions for African problems’ and, as part of the global fight against terrorism, it will also serve EU interests in the region," Borrell said.
Cabo Delgado has been facing an armed insurgency since 2017 that has disrupted several multi-billion-dollar oil and natural gas projects. Three years ago, Rwanda deployed 1,000 soldiers to fight alongside Mozambique’s armed defence and was joined by SAMIM.
The number of Rwandan soldiers and police has increased to approximately 4000, while SAMIM withdrew around July 2024.
Three years after their deployment to Cabo Delgado, the Rwandan troops undoubtedly succeeded on the battlefield. They have reduced the insurgents’ firepower, dislodged them from their main bases, and restored stability around Cabo Delgado.
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