Rwanda and Mozambique have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation, with a particular focus on fighting terrorism and enhancing training for their armed forces.
High-level engagements between the two countries are expected in the coming days, according to officials.
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Mozambican Minister of National Defence, Maj Gen Cristóvão Artur Chume, led a delegation to Rwanda, where he held bilateral talks with his counterpart, Juvenal Marizamunda, on August 23 at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters.
Their discussions centered on deepening collaboration in combating terrorism, intelligence sharing, and capacity building for both countries’ defence forces.
The visiting delegation included Maj Gen André Rafael Mahunguane, Commander of the Mozambican Armed Forces, and Commissioner of Police Fabião Pedro Nhancololo, the Commander of the Law-and-Order Service of the National Police of Mozambique. The visit is part of efforts to strengthen the long-standing defence cooperation between Kigali and Maputo.
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Speaking after the meeting, Minister Chume emphasized that terrorism remains a common challenge for both countries and the wider region, stressing the importance of joint efforts to improve response capabilities.
"Terrorism is not only threatening Mozambique, but also Rwanda and the entire region. Our efforts are common, and we discussed how to improve our response capability, particularly through training, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination,” he said.
He highlighted the joint counter-terrorism operations in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, where Rwandan and Mozambican forces have been working together since mid-2021 to liberate districts once paralyzed by Islamist insurgents.
According to Chume, these operations have significantly restored stability, allowing communities to resume economic and social activities.
He also underscored the importance of training as a foundation for stronger defence cooperation, praising the courage of Rwandan troops serving in Cabo Delgado.
"We came to Rwanda to recognize the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who are combating terrorism in Mozambique, and to pay homage to those who gave their lives in this noble mission. Their memory will not be forgotten,” he noted.
Chume further revealed that the visit also served to prepare for an upcoming state visit by Mozambique’s President and Commander-in-Chief, who is expected in Rwanda in the near future.
The Mozambican delegation also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the Campaign against Genocide Museum.