Mozambican President Fillipe Nyusi, on Wednesday, December 29 paid a visit to allied forces made of Rwandan and SADC forces assisting his country in the fight against violent insurgents in the Cabo Delgado Province.
Nyusi was accompanied by Major General Cristovão Artur Chume, Mozambique’s Minister of Defence. He was briefed on the security situation in the province by Brigadier General Vidigal, the acting Mozambique Armed Forces (FADM) Army Commander.
He also engaged security representatives from Mozambique, Rwanda, and SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), appreciating them for the good work done in fighting insurgents. He requested them to intensify military operations in the districts of Macomia, Mocimboa da Praia, Nangade Mueda and Ibo island
In a statement by Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence: “He thanked President of Rwanda and all Rwandans to have accepted to send their sons in operations against terrorists and added that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
It added: “He further thanked SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) which was represented by Bostwana Special Forces; for the operations conducted in the district they covered. He commended South Africa, Tanzania and Lesotho Forces for their support to provide water, food and reconstruction of shelters to the people in districts they operate in. He called for more vigilance in Macomia district where insurgents continue to cause insecurity.”
Nyusi also requested the Mozambican forces to learn through the forces that came to support them “because the partners will not remain forever in Mozambique.”
At the request of the government of Mozambique, in July, Rwanda deployed a 1,000-person contingent of the RDF and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Cabo Delgado, a Mozambican province devasted by terrorism and insecurity.
The allied forces have since been working together with the Mozambican forces successfully dislodging insurgents, eliminating them from key strongholds within the territory.
Earlier in the week, President Paul Kagame said in a nationwide broadcast, that continental and regional integration remains at the forefront of Rwanda’s agenda, citing the country’s endeavours to help address security challenges in the Central African Republic and Mozambique.