Rwanda has said tha it is not seeking additional funding from the European Peace Facility for its military deployment in Mozambique, addressing reports that suggested otherwise.

Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said, “Rwanda has not and will not seek additional funds from the European Peace Facility,” adding that financing from that mechanism “is a matter for Mozambique.”

She emphasized that Rwanda’s deployment is based on a request from the Government of Mozambique.

Makolo said Rwanda has so far covered a significant portion of the operational costs and noted that “having so far shouldered the bulk of the financial burden of these operations, a transition to more equitable funding is a strategic necessity.”

Rwanda first deployed approximately 2,000 troops to Cabo Delgado in 2021 to support counterterrorism operations against ISIS-linked insurgents.

The number of personnel has since increased to over 6,300. According to the government, the increase followed an expansion of operations and the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique in 2024.

Makolo rejected reports by The Wall Street Journal and Le Monde, describing them as based on “anonymous sources” and “baseless speculations.” She also denied statements attributed to Rwanda’s ambassador in the United States, stating that “no comments of the sort you mention… were uttered.”

Rwanda said joint operations with Mozambican forces have contributed to improved security in Cabo Delgado. “ISIS attacks mainly victimized Mozambican civilians, and they have been the biggest beneficiaries of the joint security mission,” Makolo said, noting that residents have been able to return to their homes.

The government also referenced major gas projects in the region. The Mozambique LNG project is valued at approximately 20 billion dollars, while total investments in the Rovuma Basin are estimated at over 50 billion dollars.

Makolo stated that “the gas investments benefit European and global energy security interests, not Rwanda’s.”

Rwanda maintains that its deployment is part of regional security cooperation and that long-term sustainability depends on financing arrangements involving Mozambique and its partners.

“It is up to the host government and its partners with major investments in Cabo Delgado to provide for that, as it has always been,” Makolo said.