Mozambican President visits Rwanda security force in Cabo Delgado

Mozambican President, Daniel Francisco Chapo, on Saturday, November 29, visited the Rwanda Security Force (RSF) deployed in Ancuabe District, Cabo Delgado Province. President Chapo was accompanied by Mozambique’s Defence Minister, Maj Gen Cristovão Artur Chume, the Chief of the General Staff of the FADM, Gen Julio dos Santos Jane, the Army Commander, Maj Gen André Rafael Mahunguane, and the Governor of Cabo Delgado Province, Valige Tauabo. He was warmly welcomed by the Rwanda Security Force Joint Task Force Commander, Maj Gen Vincent Gatama. The President was briefed on the security situation within the RSF Area of Responsibility before meeting with RSF troops. In his remarks, President Chapo commended the work done by the RSF and the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) to combat terrorism. He urged the joint forces to maintain momentum in fighting against terrorists’ activities. “I am very grateful to the Rwandan Forces for the outstanding work they are doing in Mozambique, which has helped to restore security in this province. Continue working together with your brothers here, as no development can be achieved without peace and security,” President Chapo said. President Chapo emphasized that terrorism is not solely a problem for Mozambique, but a global threat, and that it is essential to maintain strong cooperation and close collaboration between the RSF and FADM. He reminded the forces that various projects are due to resume, making peace and security vital for long-term sustainability. Rwanda first deployed troops to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government to combat an Islamic State-linked insurgency. Rwandan troops, working alongside Mozambican forces, have played a key role in stabilizing terrorist-affected districts in Cabo Delgado. Currently, security has been restored in many parts of the province. Schools are reopening, residents are returning to their homes, and terrorist fighters are retreating into the forests. The Rwandan Security Forces continue to support the Mozambican government in reinstating state authority in Cabo Delgado through combat operations, security missions, and participation in stabilization and security sector reform.