In July 2021, Rwanda announced the deployment of troops to Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado, located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The deployment of military and police officers was in response to an Islamist insurgency that had paralysed Cabo Delgado since 2017. ALSO READ: Cabo Delgado: Over 250,000 people return home, sea, air ports re-open The Ansar al Sunna wal Jamaa, a group affiliated to the Islamic State, had wreaked havoc in the districts of Palma, Mocimboa da Praia and Ancuabe. By 2021, the Mozambican government estimated about 4,000 civilians killed in terrorist attacks and hundreds of thousands more displaced internally. Key development activities, including ports services, trade and gas extraction projects by European companies had been halted by the insecurity. ALSO READ: Rwanda-Mozambique ties evolve from security to multi-sector cooperation Within months, joint operations by Rwandan Security Forces and the Mozambican armed forces (FADM) had secured key positions in Palma and Mocimboa da Praia. Rwanda deployed troops at the invitation of Maputo and the operations were financed by the Rwandan government. In December 2022, the European Union announced a €20 million support package for Rwandan operations in Cabo Delgado. This support was topped up with another €20 million in November 2024. ALSO READ: Cabo Delgado: What capture of Mocimboa da Praia means Although Rwanda welcomed the support, officials said the bill for the operations was much bigger. They said that in addition to the sacrifices of Rwandan soldiers, the actual cost could be 10 times bigger the support package. Impact of Rwandan operations By December 2023, an estimated 90 per cent of terrorist-hit areas had been secured, according to Mozambican military leaders. As The New Times reported, trading centres, ports and airports had reopened in the affected areas. An estimated 250,000 people had returned to their homes. European energy companies have also resumed their operations in the once-unstable region. In January this year, French company TotalEnergies have announced the resumption of its $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that had stalled for about five years. Rwandan troops have participated in social and medical activities. They conduct Umuganda community service with locals and they also provide free medical outreach programmes. As part of their civil-military activities, they have also built markets and classrooms for local schools, in addition to the donation of school materials. VIDEO: Cabo Delgado: When Rwandan medics treated 788 patients in a day As operations advanced in Cabo Delgado, the insurgents fled south toward Nampula province. The Rwandan and Mozambican armies announced in May 2024 they were pursuing the terrorists in Nampula. Rwandan and Mozambican presidents have visited Cabo Delgado on various occasions. In 2021, then President Filipe Nyusi and President Paul Kagame visited the province. ALSO READ: Mozambique President calls for direct air link with Rwanda Mozambican leaders have also visited Rwanda on multiple occasions. The most recent is incumbent President Daniel Chapo's visit in August 2025. The two countries have also signed cooperation agreements. These include a Status of the Forces Agreement (SOFA) on the support to fight terrorism in Mozambique, and a Memorandum of Understanding between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Investment and Export Promotion Agency of Mozambique. Rwandan operations in Cabo Delgado continue, despite recent reports that the EU was considering stopping its support. Government officials said that despite cost of the operations being at least 10 times more than the EU support, the troops will be withdrawn if their contribution is not appreciated. On March 13, a new contingent departed to Cabo Delgado to relieve their colleagues who have completed their tour of duty in the Southern African country.
