By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The European Union (EU) has signalled an end to funding of Rwanda’s deployment of troops to Carbo Delgado Province in Mozambique, putting the East African country’s participation in uncertainty.
According to emerging reports, European Union’s financial support for Rwandan troops helping to fight an Islamic State-linked insurgency in Mozambique expires in May and there are no plans to extend it.
In 2024, the EU approved about U$23 million worth of assistance for the Rwanda Defence Force operating in Mozambique’s gas-rich Cabo Delgado province, matching the amount it agreed to provide almost two years earlier.
The funding, under the European Peace Facility, was allocated to cover the cost of personal equipment and logistics, the European Council said.
Since July 2021, a joint Rwandan Army and Police force numbering over 2,000 has been in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province to combat ISIS-linked insurgents, working alongside Mozambican forces to restore stability, protect key infrastructure like the TotalEnergies gas project, and enable civilian returns.
The joint forces operating under a bilateral agreement have successfully dislodged insurgents from major strongholds, including Mocímboa da Praia, Palma, and Macomia.
Analysts say this could be one of Rwanda’s most successful missions abroad.
The deployment secured the billion TotalEnergies gas project and allowed over 250,000 displaced people to return home.
Rwanda has been accused accused of backing the M23 rebel group, responsible for onslaught in eastern Congo.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Kigali denies backing the rebel group. The group has displaced thousands of persons in the region, causing humanitarian crisis.
Kigali has faced criticism for violating a Washington-brokered peace deal with Congo, an allegation it denies.
