The President of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi has visited the Rwandan Security Forces operating in Cabo Delgado province, Mocimboa da Praia District.

During the visit held on Tuesday 20th September 2022, Nyusi also addressed the population who returned to their homes after many years in IDP camps.

In a message conveyed to the Rwandan Security Forces, he congratulated them for the great work done in fighting terrorism since they arrived in July 2021 and commended their commitment, dedication and discipline throughout this period.

While meeting the population of Mocimboa da Praia, President Nyusi assured the public of government support in maintaining the situation and returning everything to normal.

Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight terrorist groups, honoring the request of Mozambique. The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.

The situation in the country had worsened since October 2017 when armed extremists launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.

Mozambique Defence Armed Forces battled the extremists but many civilians were killed and displaced by the fighting.

Before Rwandan troops’ intervention, terrorists had killed 3000 civilians while more than 800,000 were displaced. The insecurity had also put to halt all development projects in the area controlled by insurgents.

The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions were seized from rebels.

Rwanda and Mozambique have been enjoying vibrant relations for many years.

On Monday 12th September 2022, President Paul Kagame and his counterpart of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi met in Kenya ahead of the inauguration of newly elected president, Dr. William Ruto.

Both leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the ongoing bilateral collaboration between Rwanda and Mozambique.

In February this year, Kagame received Nyusi with whom they discussed the good progress that has been made between Rwanda and Mozambique in the ongoing cooperation towards securing Cabo Delgado as well as other areas of bilateral collaboration.

Rwanda and Mozambique have cooperation agreements in different areas including security, trade and investment among others.

AE News