The European Union (EU) is considering supporting Rwanda's military operations in Mozambique to battle the Islamic State-linked insurgency in the country's northernmost province, Cabo Delgado, The New Times has learned.

This was disclosed by the ambassador of EU to Rwanda, Nicola Bellamo, during the annual Article 8 Dialogue that took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kimihurura, on January 25.

Article 8 Dialogue is part of the Post-Cotonou agreement, which serves as a legal framework for EU relations with 79 African countries, the Caribbean and Pacific countries.

Vincent Biruta, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation delivers remarks . / Courtesy

The dialogue aims at information sharing to foster mutual understanding and facilitate the establishment of agreed priorities and shared agendas.

While referring to Rwanda’s intervention in Mozambique, Bellomo said, "I am confident this dialogue will provide additional elements to inform the ongoing discussion on possible EU support to Rwanda and to identify new avenues to promote and preserve peace and security on the continent.”

Last year, on July 9, Rwanda deployed troops to work closely with Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and later, forces from Southern African Development Community (SADC) joined them to fight the terrorists, stabilize the area and restore the authority of the state.

After a successful intervention, previously inaccessible areas of the province were cleared of insurgents and, by and large, peace and stability have returned in areas where Rwandan and Mozambican forces operate, hundreds of people returned to their homes.

In November last year, the EU launched a two-year mission to train 11 Mozambican special force units to fight the terrorist-related insurgency in Cabo Delgado, something that Rwanda is also considering.

Rwanda commended for vaccination drive

The EU ambassador to Rwanda, Bellomo also commended the gains made by Rwanda in vaccinating its population against Covid-19.

"We strongly commend the government and the people of Rwanda for the early, effective, and prompt response to both the sanitary and health component but also the economic impact of the pandemic,” he said.

Vincent Biruta, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said: "significant changes have taken place around the world, but the collaboration between Rwanda and the EU has remained strong, especially with this pandemic and the need to work together to overcome it.”

Biruta highlighted key priority areas for continuous collaboration from both sides as Rwanda starts to implement a new EU country strategy that is aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).

The annual Article 8 Dialogue  took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kimihurura, on January 25.

The collaboration areas include; education, skills and jobs for the youth, a green deal for inclusive development with a focus on agriculture and urbanization, as well as political and economic governance, including support for private sector development.

In October 2021, Rwanda hosted the second African Union and European Union ministerial meeting, which drew the path for the upcoming AU-EU Summit in Brussels.