Rwanda Signals Potential Withdrawal of Troops from Mozambique

Rwanda's military presence in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province began in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, aimed at countering an Islamic State-linked insurgency that erupted in 2017. This deployment has been crucial in stabilizing the region, which is vital for the development of significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects worth approximately $50 billion, led by companies like TotalEnergies and Exxon Mobil. The Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) has played a central role in restoring security, allowing over 250,000 displaced individuals to return home.

Bloomberg

Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has stated that the country will withdraw its troops if sustainable funding is not secured for their counter-terrorism operations. The European Union's financial support, which has amounted to around €20 million (approximately $23 million), is set to expire in May 2026, with no plans for renewal. Nduhungirehe emphasized that the Rwandan government has already invested significantly more than the EU's contribution, citing costs that are at least ten times higher.

Rwanda Signals Withdrawal of Troops from Mozambique

Yolande Makolo, a spokesperson for the Rwandan government, reiterated that the continuation of the RDF's mission in Mozambique hinges on adequate and predictable funding. She noted that the Rwandan military's efforts have been essential not only for Mozambique but also for international energy companies operating in the region. Makolo warned that if the RDF Command assesses that their contributions are not valued, they would be justified in urging the government to end the bilateral counter-terrorism arrangement.

Rwanda warns it may withdraw troops from Mozambique’s insurgency-hit Cabo DelgadoRwanda threatens to withdraw its counterinsurgency troops from MozambiqueRwanda Signals Withdrawal of Troops from MozambiqueBloombergEU funding for Rwandan forces securing Mozambique gas hub to end in May

The Rwandan government has faced criticism regarding its military involvement in both Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on several senior Rwandan officials, accusing them of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo. This has led to increased scrutiny of Rwanda's military activities and has complicated its relationships with Western partners. Critics argue that Rwanda's military actions in the DRC undermine regional stability, while Rwandan officials contend that their involvement is necessary for national security.

Rwanda threatens to withdraw its counterinsurgency troops from MozambiqueRwanda Signals Withdrawal of Troops from MozambiqueEU funding for Rwandan forces securing Mozambique gas hub to end in MayEU To Terminate Funding For Rwanda’s Mozambique Troops Deployment

The potential withdrawal of Rwandan troops raises significant security concerns for Mozambique, particularly as the insurgency, although weakened, remains active. Analysts warn that without continued support, the fragile gains made against the insurgents could be jeopardized, especially as Mozambique grapples with a deep fiscal crisis that limits its ability to finance large-scale security operations independently.

Rwanda Signals Withdrawal of Troops from MozambiqueBloombergRwanda warns it may withdraw troops from Mozambique’s insurgency-hit Cabo DelgadoRwanda threatens to withdraw its counterinsurgency troops from MozambiqueEU To Terminate Funding For Rwanda’s Mozambique Troops DeploymentEU funding for Rwandan forces securing Mozambique gas hub to end in May

As the expiration of EU funding approaches, it remains uncertain whether the Mozambican government will seek additional financial support or alternative solutions to maintain security in Cabo Delgado. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding security operations in resource-rich regions of Africa, where the interplay of international funding, local stability, and broader regional conflicts will continue to shape the future of military deployments.

Rwanda Signals Withdrawal of Troops from Mozambique

• “Should the RDF Command assess that the work being done by Rwandan Security Forces in Cabo Delgado is not appreciated, they would be right to urge the government to end this bilateral counter-terrorism arrangement and pull out.” — Yolande Makolo, Government Spokesperson of Rwanda

Rwanda Signals Withdrawal of Troops from Mozambique

• “The full cost to Rwanda is at least 10 times more, in addition to the ultimate sacrifice of loss of soldiers’ lives, all to stabilize Cabo Delgado,” — Yolande Makolo, Government Spokesperson of Rwanda

Rwanda Signals Withdrawal of Troops from Mozambique

• “When the RDF is treated like it has, penalized wrongly – both in Mozambique and elsewhere – it will reconsider its obligations and, unsurprisingly, there will be ripple effects in Cabo Delgado,” — Yolande Makolo, Government Spokesperson of Rwanda

Bloomberg