The Army Chief of Staff (ACOS) of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, has commenced an official visit to Cabo Delgado Province, reaffirming Rwanda’s steadfast commitment to its security partnership with Mozambique.
During his visit to the coastal city of Pemba, Major General Nyakarundi and his delegation held high-level talks with the Army Commander of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM), Major General André Rafael Mahunguane. Their discussions focused on assessing the prevailing security situation and reviewing future operational plans aimed at consolidating hard-won gains against terrorist groups operating in the region.
Both sides reaffirmed their strong bilateral cooperation, emphasizing coordinated operations and shared objectives in restoring peace and strengthening Mozambican state authority in Cabo Delgado.
A Model of Regional Solidarity
Since Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, the partnership has delivered significant progress in reclaiming key towns, securing vital infrastructure, and enabling displaced communities to begin returning home.
Areas such as MocÃmboa da Praia — once a stronghold of Islamic State-linked insurgents — have been stabilised through sustained joint operations by the Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) and Mozambican forces. The collaboration has become widely recognised as a model of effective regional solidarity and practical African-led solutions to security challenges.
During his visit, Major General Nyakarundi commended the resilience, professionalism, and unity of both forces, noting that their joint efforts have played a critical role in restoring stability across large parts of the province. He reiterated Rwanda’s continued readiness to support initiatives aimed at maintaining security and advancing long-term peace.
In turn, Major General Mahunguane expressed appreciation for the decisive contribution of Rwandan forces in combating terrorism, highlighting the tangible improvements in security and public confidence resulting from the partnership.
Strengthening Security and Community Recovery
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Cabo Delgado Governor Valige Tauabo, who provided a comprehensive briefing on the province’s security outlook and recovery efforts. Discussions extended beyond military operations to include civil–military cooperation initiatives supporting local communities.
Governor Tauabo conveyed gratitude for the Rwanda Security Forces’ role not only in stabilising the security environment but also in enhancing community welfare through outreach programmes and reconstruction support.
Later, in MocÃmboa da Praia — the headquarters of the Rwanda Security Forces in Cabo Delgado — Major General Nyakarundi addressed RDF and Police personnel deployed in the mission. Delivering a message from the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF and President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, he praised the troops for their courage, discipline, and unwavering dedication.
He urged them to remain vigilant, stressing that discipline and professionalism remain central to the mission’s success, which encompasses both combat operations and broader security sector reform support.
Consolidating Peace for the Future
The visit underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Rwanda and Mozambique — a collaboration that has significantly weakened terrorist networks and restored hope to communities affected by violence.
As joint operations continue, both nations remain committed to promoting lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Cabo Delgado and contributing to wider regional security across Southern Africa.
The Rwanda–Mozambique partnership stands as a testament to the power of African cooperation in confronting shared challenges — and in delivering sustainable solutions grounded in unity, resolve, and mutual respect.
The success of the Rwanda–Mozambique partnership also underscores the growing importance of South–South cooperation in advancing security and peace. By drawing on shared experiences, regional solidarity, and mutual trust, countries of the Global South are increasingly demonstrating their capacity to design and implement effective, home-grown solutions to complex security threats. Such collaboration strengthens collective resilience, reduces dependence on external interventions, and promotes sustainable peace built on local ownership. In Cabo Delgado, the joint efforts of Rwanda and Mozambique illustrate how South–South partnerships can translate political will into tangible security gains, reinforcing stability not only at the national level but across the wider region.
Source: https://www.mod.gov.rw/news
