New RDF and police contingent set to relieve Rwanda forces in Cabo Delgado

The contingent was briefed on Friday by Vincent Nyakarundi, the Army Chief of Staff of the RDF, during a ceremony held at Kami Barracks.

The briefing was also attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano.

During the briefing, Maj Gen Nyakarundi reminded the contingent that their mission is to protect civilians from terrorism and urged them to serve as good ambassadors of Rwanda. He emphasised the importance of discipline, teamwork, and professionalism, encouraging them to remain fully committed to their duties, just as their predecessors have done.

Rwandan troops were first deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, following years of attacks by Islamic State-linked insurgents.

Since then, the joint operations between Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican army have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several areas, and enabled thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes.

The latest deployment comes a few months after a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement on the support to fight terrorism in Mozambique was signed. The agreement extended Rwanda’s military support in Cabo Delgado province.

“Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,” President Chapo said, acknowledging Rwanda’s role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite ongoing sporadic attacks.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi reminded the contingent that their mission is to protect civilians from terrorism and urged them to serve as good ambassadors of Rwanda.
The new contingent will relieve colleagues currently serving in Rwanda’s counter-terrorism mission in Cabo Delgado.
The briefing was also attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano.

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