The European Union (EU) has rejected allegations that it is funding Rwandan troops to suppress demonstrations in Maputo. The statement was made on Monday (4) by the EU’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Nabila Massrali, after the independent presidential candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, claimed that Rwandan forces had been moved from Cabo Delgado province to the Mozambican capital in order to contain anti-government protests.
In a statement, Massrali denied any EU involvement in Rwandan troop operations in Maputo and emphasised that the accusations were ‘serious and unfounded’. According to the spokeswoman, European support for the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) is limited to the mission to combat insurgency in Cabo Delgado, as part of a request from the Mozambican government for support in stabilising the region.
‘The European Union’s support for the Rwandan forces‘ operation in Cabo Delgado only includes personal protective equipment and the transport of military personnel, in accordance with the provisions of the European Peace Facility,’ explained Massrali, adding that all EU support actions are carried out ‘in full compliance with international law, including humanitarian and human rights law’.
The statement also emphasises that the EU is supporting Mozambique in re-establishing peace and security in Cabo Delgado, through an integrated approach covering security, development and humanitarian assistance. The organisation stresses that there is no evidence to confirm the alleged presence of Rwandan forces in Maputo.
Finally, the EU warns against the ‘spread of disinformation’ and calls on all parties to act with calm, moderation and a sense of responsibility in the current political context.
