The European Union is poised to provide €20 million in financial aid to Rwandan forces operating in Mozambique’s troubled Cabo Delgado region. This northern province of Mozambique has been plagued by an ongoing insurgency from Islamist militants since 2017, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing nearly a million people.
The Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), along with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, has played a pivotal role in stabilizing parts of the region since its deployment in 2021. Their efforts have led to significant security gains, including the reclamation of key areas like the port town of Mocímboa da Praia, which had been under militant control for several years.
The €20 million grant from the EU will strengthen Rwandan military operations, focusing on logistical support, training, and non-lethal equipment. This aid aligns with the EU’s broader strategy of fostering peace and stability in the region, ensuring humanitarian assistance can reach affected communities, and facilitating reconstruction efforts.
The decision follows recent consultations between EU officials, the Mozambican government, and regional leaders, underlining the international community’s commitment to restoring peace in Cabo Delgado. This funding will complement previous EU support to Mozambique, which includes humanitarian aid and capacity-building initiatives for local forces.
While the situation in Cabo Delgado has improved, challenges remain, especially with sporadic militant attacks continuing in rural areas. Both the EU and African leaders have stressed the importance of long-term solutions, including socio-economic development, to address the root causes of extremism and rebuild the region’s infrastructure.
The EU’s financial aid is expected to bolster Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to restoring security in Mozambique and contribute to the broader efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in Cabo Delgado.
