Rwanda has significantly increased the number of its troops deployed to fight the jihadist insurrection in northern Mozambique.
Rwanda has increased its presence in northern Mozambique in response to the growing jihadist insurrection in the area. In June 2021, the Rwandan government deployed more than 1,000 troops to the region to provide additional security and assistance to the Mozambique Defense and Security Forces at the request of the Mozambican government.
“The Rwandan contingent will support efforts to restore Mozambican state authority by conducting combat and security operations, as well as stabilisation and security-sector reform,”
The troops are providing training and support to the Mozambique military in the fight against the Islamic State-affiliated jihadists. The troops are also helping to improve infrastructure, such as roads, in the region to facilitate the deployment of additional forces. The Rwandan troops are expected to remain in the region for the foreseeable future, providing support to the Mozambique military and helping to protect the local population.
This measure serves to provide an additional layer of security and support to the people of Cabo Delgado. The Rwandan soldiers will act as a deterrent to criminal activities, as well as provide humanitarian aid to those in need. So far, Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado have reached more than 2,500.
The deployment of Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado is part of an effort to build a stronger security presence in the region. The additional forces will be responsible for providing direct support to the local security services, allowing them to focus their resources on protecting the people and property of Cabo Delgado. The Rwandan soldiers are well-trained and equipped to take on the challenges of the region, providing protection against the various criminal gangs and insurgent groups which have been active in the area.
Until the joint Rwanda-Mozambican operations, Cabo Delgado, a coastal region with natural gas reserves, had been troubled by terrorist attacks, which killed over 4,000 civilians, and displaced tens of thousands.
“We have increased the troops because since our arrival in Mozambique many problems have been solved, in collaboration with the Mozambicans. In the areas we operate in, the problem has been solved completely. But because the terrorists have fled to other areas of Mozambique, we could not reach all regions,” President Paul Kagame said.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) also deployed troops to Cabo Delgado.
The deployment of Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado is an important step in helping to protect the people of the region. The presence of these soldiers will provide a source of security for the local population, as well as a deterrent to criminal activity. Furthermore, the Rwandan soldiers will also be providing humanitarian aid to those in need, helping to address the needs of the people and address the ongoing crisis in the region.
Overall, Rwanda’s increased troop presence in Cabo Delgado is an important step in providing much-needed security and support to the people of the region. The additional troops will help to protect the local population, provide a deterrent to criminal activity and provide humanitarian aid to those in need. This move is a welcome sign of Rwanda’s commitment to helping bring stability to the region.