Mozambique’s Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen. Cristóvão Artur Chume, has praised Rwanda’s security forces for their critical role in restoring peace and stability in Cabo Delgado, saying their intervention allowed thousands of displaced citizens to return to their homes.
Maj. Gen. Chume is in Kigali for a three-day official visit, leading a high-level delegation that includes Mozambique’s Chief of Defense Forces, Maj. Gen. André Rafael Mahunguane, and CP Fabião Pedro Nhancololo, who oversees law enforcement and national security within the Mozambique Police.
On Saturday, the delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum at Rwanda’s Parliament, before holding bilateral talks with senior Rwandan military leaders at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Kimihurura.
They were received by Rwanda’s Minister of Defense, Juvénal Marizamunda, together with the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, and senior commanders from different branches of the Rwanda Defence Force.
Speaking after the meetings, Minister Chume described Rwanda as a strategic partner for Mozambique, particularly in the areas of peace, security, and development.
He said, “The courage and sacrifice of Rwanda’s security forces have been vital in supporting the people of Mozambique. Their efforts have enabled displaced families to return to their homes and communities.”
The Mozambican defense chief also highlighted the importance of joint training programs between the two countries’ security institutions, noting that such initiatives strengthen knowledge and capacity in combating common threats.
He emphasized that terrorism remains the greatest challenge faced by both Mozambique and the broader region, making Rwanda’s continued partnership invaluable.
The three-day visit aims to deepen cooperation in defense, peacekeeping, and security operations, building on the strong partnership that has seen Rwandan troops deployed in Cabo Delgado since 2021 to help fight insurgents.
