Rwanda and Mozambique have exchanged expertise in military welfare management, with a focus on social welfare systems for military personnel.

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The exchange followed a week-long working visit to Rwanda by a delegation from Mozambican Ministry of National Defence, led by Maj Gen Samuel Luluva, Director General of Social Services. The delegation concluded the visit on Friday, August 28, with a meeting with the Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda.

The meeting "underscored the commitment of both nations to deepen existing defence cooperation, with a particular focus on social welfare systems for military personnel,” the Ministry of Defence said.

During the visit, the Mozambican officials visited Zigama Credit and Savings Society (ZIGAMA CSS), the Armed Forces Shop (AFOS) and the Military Medical Insurance (MMI) scheme.

They also toured other military welfare projects and held discussions on best practices in social services and welfare support for service members and their families.

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Beyond the technical engagements, the delegation visited Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.

At the sites, they were briefed on the role of Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as well as its contribution to national stability, citizen protection and Rwanda’s post-Genocide development.

The welfare exchange comes as Rwanda and Mozambique continue to deepen their defence and security partnership, which was strengthened by Rwanda’s deployment to Cabo Delgado in July 2021.

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Rwanda deployed security forces at the invitation of the Mozambican government to help combat terrorists linked to the Islamic State in Cabo Delgado province.

Since then, joint operations by Rwandan and Mozambican forces have significantly improved security in several districts, allowing displaced communities to return and schools and businesses to reopen.