Since Rwandan troops were deployed to fight terrorists from Ahlu al-Sunnah wal-Jamaah in the country in July 2021, they have been handing over captured areas to Mozambican forces.
As Rwandan troops captured terrorists’ strongholds in areas including Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, they fled to the region controlled by Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.
It has been quite some time since terrorists have resurged and plotted more attacks in the area.
On 23rd June 2022, the rebels conducted an attack to an area known as Nkoe which was followed by another one in Nanjaba of Macomia.
On 22nd June, Tanzanian soldier died in terrorists’ attack in Nangade District.
Realizing that terrorists fled to Macomia, Rwandan troops entered agreement with SADC forces for collaboration to root them out.
On 30th March, Rwandan troops arrived in Macomia District to chase out rebels
{{The fight takes new shape}}
Following the deployment, rebels fled to Nampula Province that had never faced insecurity since 2017 when terrorist activities escalated in the country.
Early 2022, terrorists developed new tricks and reorganized in Nampula from where they conducted more attacks in Cabo Delgado.
For instance, the terrorists plotted 14 attacks in Meluco District of Cabo Delgado Province in January which escalated in May.
They continued to escalate in June in southern parts of Cabo Delgado including Quissange, Ancuabe, Chiure and Mecufi as well as Nampula border.
In February this year, Rwanda and Mozambican troops launched offensives in the areas of Nhica do Rovuma and Pundanhar where some terrorists were killed while others fled to Nangade.
Realizing the two areas were liberated from rebels, Rwanda security forces handed them over to Mozambicans and continued their operations in Macomia where terrorists had a new stronghold.
As rebels learnt that Rwandan forces were deployed in Macomia, which would prevent them from infiltrating into Siri I and Siri II (areas with presence of dense forests offering protection), they plotted hit and run attacks to regions under control of Mozambican army.
They recently attacked government’s army in Maparanganha and set residents’ vehicle on fire.
It is suspected that terrorists’ leaders stay in Macomia.
As Rwandan troops arrived in Macomia, they seized Chai area where more than five villages are currently safeguarded and rescued more than 3000 residents from terrorists in forests.
On 13th May, they were handed over to Mozambique and returned home.
Rwandan forces established a base in the area where they continue to conduct offensives to restore security in the area.
This week, the forces ambushed terrorists, killed three of them while others fled.
{{Rotation of forces might be delayed}}
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that the rotation of forces deployed in Cabo Delgado might be pushed back due to the resurgence.
It has been almost a year since Rwandan troops were deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021.
The fact that terrorists are currently infiltrating through areas left under control of Mozambicans might delay the rotation of forces because Rwandan forces deployed last year are more familiar with the terrain even though new troops are making preparations to replace their colleagues.
IGIHE has learnt that some commanders of the new troops to be deployed have arrived in Cabo Delgado.
These include Brig Gen Frank Mutembe who will replace the current The Task Force Battle Group Commander, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi.
Sources reveal that the replacement of troops from Mozambique was expected to take place from July to August.
It might however be pushed back for the forces on ground to clear some enemy pockets.
On the other hand, residents in some areas previously held by terrorists including Mocímboa da Praia and Palma town are safe.
As of today, over 10,000 displaced citizens have returned to their homes in Mocímboa da Praia.
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