The European Union (EU) Council has approved an extra €20 million (over Rwf 28 billion) to support the deployment of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) troops in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. This brings the total EU contribution to €40 million, following an initial €20 million pledged in late 2022 under the European Peace Facility (EPF).
The new funding will cover personal equipment and strategic airlift costs needed to sustain Rwandan operations in Cabo Delgado. Rwandan troops were first deployed in July 2021 at the request of Mozambican authorities to help combat terrorism. Before their intervention, insurgent attacks by the Al Sunna Wa Jama (ASWJ) group had killed over 3,000 civilians and displaced more than 800,000 people, disrupting all development activities in affected areas.
Over the past three years, Rwandan forces, alongside Mozambique’s military, have significantly weakened ASWJ strongholds in regions like Mocimboa da Praia and Palma, allowing many internally displaced persons to return home. Mozambique has also benefited from military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), although SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 after their mandate expired.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s continued presence, especially after the recent withdrawal of SADC forces. “This additional support reflects the EU’s commitment to ‘African solutions for African problems’ and supports our broader fight against terrorism,” Borrell said.
The EU’s support for Rwanda complements an €89 million assistance package for the Mozambican Armed Forces, which have been trained under the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Mozambique. The European Peace Facility, launched in March 2021, aims to fund military and defense initiatives that enhance international stability and security, particularly by supporting third countries and regional organizations in conflict prevention and peacekeeping efforts.
This additional funding highlights the EU’s commitment to stabilizing Cabo Delgado and supporting regional counter-terrorism initiatives.
