The Commander of Rwanda Defence Force’s (RDF) Mechanised Infantry Division on Thursday, January 30, briefed the Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) contingent ahead of their deployment to Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique.

Maj Gen Wilson Gumisiriza briefed the contingent, which includes members of the RDF and the Rwanda National Police as they prepared for their mission.

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He urged the relief force to uphold RDF’s values, maintain discipline, and embody teamwork to effectively represent Rwanda.

"This mission highlights the continued partnership between Rwanda and Mozambique, reinforcing the agreements that strengthen cooperation between the two nations,” the RDF said in a statement.

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Rwanda deployed troops to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government to fight an Islamic State-linked insurgency.

Rwandan troops, deployed alongside Mozambican forces, have been key in stabilizing the terrorist-hit districts of Cabo Delgado.

Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, Cabo Delgado is rich in natural gas. The Mozambican northern province faced the Islamist insurgency since 2017, leading to the death of over 4,000 people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.

In mid-2024, joint operations by Rwandan troops and the Mozambican armed forces expanded to neighboring Nampula province to target insurgent strongholds.