The Council of the European Union (EU) on Monday approved an additional €20 million in support for Rwandan forces fighting terrorism in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, considering that this deployment “has been crucial.”
“The Council today adopted a supplement of €20 million to an existing assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to continue supporting the deployment of the Rwandan Defence Force in the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado,” the structure that brings together EU member states said in a statement.
On the day that foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels, the institution explained that this support would enable the purchase of personal equipment and cover the costs related to the strategic airlift needed to support the Rwandan deployment in Cabo Delgado.
This deployment began in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican authorities to support the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado and, according to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, “has been fundamental to making progress”.
“And it continues to be fundamental, especially because of the recent withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique,” emphasises Josep Borrell, noting that “this reinforcement measure is a testimony to the EU’s support for ”African solutions to African problems” and, as part of the global fight against terrorism, will also serve the EU’s interests in the region”.
The additional funding complements the €89 million parallel assistance measure to the Mozambican Armed Forces previously trained by the EU Training Mission Mozambique.
The European Peace Facility was created in March 2021 to finance EU external actions with military or defence implications, to prevent conflicts, preserve peace, and strengthen international security and stability.
Since October 2017, the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado has been facing an armed rebellion with attacks claimed by movements associated with the extremist group Islamic State.
Lusa
