The Army Chief of Staff of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, on Thursday, July 30, briefed a joint contingent of RDF and Rwanda National Police personnel preparing to deploy to Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.
The contingent will replace their colleagues currently serving in the northern Mozambican province, where Rwandan Security Forces (RSF) have been deployed since July 2021 to combat insurgents linked to the Islamic State terrorist group.
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The briefing took place at Kami Barracks and was attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Commissioner of Police Vincent Sano.
Nyakarundi conveyed to the troops a message from President Paul Kagame, "stressing discipline, force protection and strong force cohesion as the foundation of a successful mission," the RDF said.
He reminded the contingent that their primary responsibility is to protect civilians from the threat of terrorism.
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Nyakarundi encouraged the personnel to represent Rwanda with pride by upholding the highest standards of discipline, teamwork and professionalism. He urged them to remain committed to the mission while building on the exemplary service of those who have served before them.
The briefing also focused on the evolving security situation in Cabo Delgado. The contingent was called upon to remain vigilant, adapt effective counter-terrorism tactics and intensify operations to neutralise remaining threats.
Rwanda deployed its first joint security force to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government after insurgent attacks destabilised the province, displaced thousands of civilians and threatened major economic projects.
Rwandan forces and the Mozambican army have helped restore security in several districts, enabling displaced residents to return to their homes, schools and health facilities to reopen, businesses to resume operations.
The improved security has also created conditions for major liquefied natural gas projects in the province to resume, while Mozambican security institutions have continued to strengthen their capacity.