EU Increases Support for Rwandan Troops in Mozambique by Rwf 29.5 Billion
The European Union (EU) has significantly enhanced its support for the Rwandan military’s peacekeeping mission in Mozambique, reinforcing its commitment to regional stability and the fight against terrorism.
A new tranche of €20 million (approximately Rwf 29.5 billion) will be allocated to support the operations of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in Cabo Delgado Province.
This follows an initial €20 million grant provided in early 2022 to aid the deployment of Rwandan forces in the region.
The additional funding, sourced from the European Peace Facility, will be directed towards reinforcing the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in northern Mozambique, where the RDF has been engaged in combating the insurgency led by Islamist militants.
The EU’s decision was formalized by the European Council on November 18, 2024, with the funds earmarked for essential logistical support, including strategic airlift operations and the procurement of personal protective equipment for deployed troops.
In a statement, the European Council noted that this financial boost would ensure the continuation of the mission, facilitating the sustained presence of Rwandan forces in Cabo Delgado, a region that has been plagued by insurgent violence since 2017.
Rwanda’s military intervention, which began in July 2021 at the request of Mozambique’s government, has been critical in stabilizing the region.
The deployment was part of a broader international response to the growing security threat posed by extremist groups, which have disrupted daily life and economic activities in Cabo Delgado.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, highlighted the strategic importance of this support, stating that the funding not only reflects the EU’s commitment to Mozambique and Rwanda but also reinforces the broader global fight against terrorism.
“This additional assistance underscores Europe’s commitment to African solutions for African challenges and is a vital component of our shared effort to combat terrorism in the region,” Borrell said.
The €20 million top-up complements an earlier €89 million EU assistance package, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Mozambican Armed Forces through training provided by the EU Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM).
This dual support mechanism seeks to build local capacity while ensuring that Rwanda’s intervention remains robust and effective.
Established in March 2021, the European Peace Facility is a cornerstone of the EU’s external action strategy, designed to provide financial support for military and defense operations with the overarching goal of preventing conflicts, preserving peace, and enhancing global security.