The Rwandan government recently announced the transfer of military command of its forces deployed in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, as part of a strategy to strengthen operations against insurgents in the region. The move is aimed at realigning operations and improving the effectiveness of troops on the ground, increasing operational efficiency and coordination with Mozambican forces.
According to Further Africa, since 2017, Cabo Delgado has been the scene of a violent insurgency that has caused thousands of deaths, more than 800,000 displaced people and major economic disruption, including the paralysing of important natural gas exploration projects.
To respond to the worsening situation, Rwanda sent around a thousand soldiers to the province in July 2021, as part of a mission to support the Mozambican authorities in stabilising the area.
The change of command now announced aims to strengthen military operations and adapt actions to evolving threats, reinforcing the fight against insurgents and refining combat tactics.
The strategic plan includes the creation of a sustainable security framework that allows the Mozambican forces to progressively assume responsibility for managing security in the long term.
The Rwandan forces play a crucial role in regaining control of strategic areas and creating safe zones for displaced civilians.
With the new leadership, an improvement in the effectiveness of joint operations is expected, promoting a faster and more effective response, as well as more efficient information sharing between Rwandan and Mozambican troops.
‘The change of command now announced aims to strengthen military operations and adapt actions to evolving threats, reinforcing the fight against insurgents and refining combat tactics’
The transfer of command also reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to stabilising Cabo Delgado and training Mozambican forces to ensure their future self-sufficiency in terms of security.
Building local capacity is seen as essential to ensuring effective security management even after the eventual withdrawal of Rwandan forces.
However, the authorities recognise that the solution to the conflict in Cabo Delgado does not depend solely on military intervention. Reducing poverty, combating unemployment and fighting marginalisation are considered fundamental to ensuring lasting peace.
The partnership between Mozambique and Rwanda has been highlighted as an example of effective co-operation against insurgencies, integrating military efforts with socio-economic development initiatives.
Despite progress, challenges remain, especially in building the capacity of Mozambican forces so that they can take full control of security in the region in the future.
Continued international support and the strengthening of partnerships will be crucial to guaranteeing stability and sustainable development in Cabo Delgado.
The transfer of command thus represents a strategic step in the fight against insurgency, emphasising the need for adaptive military strategies and close collaboration between Rwandan and Mozambican forces, with the aim of promoting lasting peace and a secure future for Cabo Delgado.
