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 rebel 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 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 troop’s 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 including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu were seized from rebels.

As of 5th September 2021, Rwandan and Mozambican troops who were joined by the military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had captured almost all areas of Cabo Delgado Province where the remaining work was predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and help displaced citizens to return to their homes.

IGIHE has caught up with the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Col Ronald Rwivanga who shed light on current progress as well as cooperation with Mozambicans and SADC forces deployed in Mozambique.

Excerpts:

Rwandan soldiers have spent nearly seven months fighting insurgents in Mozambique, briefly tell us what were initial expectations and how do you gauge the work done so far?

RDF expected a lot more resistance than we got….but it was still a tough job to fight terrorists who had captured cities and dislodged state authority in Cabo Delgado.

Peace has been restored in most regions that were previously occupied by insurgents. Aren’t you worried that rebels might maneuver through their hideouts to threaten security again?

Not at all. The RDF and Mozambican forces must maintain security operations to deny enemy freedom of action and maneuver. That’s what will keep the terrorist at bay.

There are some areas where peace has not yet been restored. Are you planning more offensive operations?

If an area is not in our Area of Responsibility (AOR), we are not mandated to conduct offensive operations there unless new directives emerge. So, our response will depend on whether or not we are mandated to operate in a given sector.

How do Rwandans cooperate with SADC troops deployed in Cabo Delgado?

Rwandans or RDF cooperates well with SADC/ SAMIM in terms of sharing Intelligence and operational leads. This is what we have established and it is going on well. They visit RDF MOZ sectors for meetings and vice versa. And the close cooperation has had good results.

It is said that RDF recently launched offensives to terrorists in collaboration with FADM and SAMIN. Is it true?

The most recent operation in west Palma district was in our AOR with FADM forces and not in SAMIM sector. So, there was no expected support from SADC /SAMIM forces. However, we share intelligence and leads wherever we operate so that if the terrorists cross into their sectors, they can be able to respond effectively. So it’s more of intelligence sharing, close collaboration and coordination than physical support in our respective sectors.

Has RDF ever faced challenges while working with SAMIM forces? If yes, which ones?

No.

Do you consider the rotation of soldiers deployed to Mozambique as the case for peacekeeping missions?

No, it is a bilateral arrangement and has nothing to do with peace keeping rotations.

Apart from operations to restore peace in Cabo Delgabo Province, RDF plans to train Mozambican soldiers. When shall training programs begin?

We are still streamlining details on what will be done.

RDF Spokesperson, Col Ronald Rwivanga has said that RDF and Mozambican forces must maintain security operations to deny enemy freedom of action.