During their visit on On Wednesday 15th February 2023, they received a briefing on the security situation in Rwandan Security Forces Area of Responsibility.

Gen admiral, Herve Blejean appreciated the great achievement recorded by the joint forces in Cabo Delgado (Mozambique armed forces, RSF and SAMIM) that has registered positive outcomes such as the return of a large number of IDPs to their homes.

He added that the EU appreciates and pledges their continued support to ongoing joint operations to bring about lasting peace in Cabo Delgado.

Towards the end of 2022, the EU Council approved €20 million (over Rwf20 billion) funding to support the continued deployment of Rwandan troops to fight terrorists in Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.

The assistance measure is expected to enable the acquisition of collective and personal equipment, and cover costs related to the strategic airlift needed to sustain the Rwandan deployment in Cabo Delgado.

The funding to Rwanda’s intervention in Mozambique was part of assistance measures adopted by the council in support of the armed forces of five countries. These include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Lebanon, Mauritania and Rwanda.

At the time, the Government of Rwanda welcomed the support of European Peace Facility to joint operations in Cabo Delgado and reiterated continued commitment to work with partners to fight terrorism.

Rwanda deployed army and police personnel to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Government of Mozambique. As at December 2022, Rwanda had around 2,500 troops engaged in joint operations with Mozambican forces while additional troops were being deployed in areas that experienced new terrorist attacks.

Before the announced assistance, Rwandan contingent was fully funded by the Government of Rwanda.

Since 2021, the joint force has dislodged insurgents from their strongholds, allowing civilians to return to their homes, and also collaborated with SADC’s SAMIM force to pursue terrorists in other sectors.

The EU delegation in a group photo with Rwandan security forces.

The delegation received a briefing on the security situation in Rwandan Security Forces Area of Responsibility in Mozambique.