Parliament ratified the extradition agreement with Rwanda this Wednesday (20). The document passed with 160 votes in favour from the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo).
“We realise the importance of establishing the necessary steps to consolidate the general cooperation agreement with Rwanda. The Defence and Security Forces (FDS) are counting on the collaboration of the Rwandan forces in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado,” explained Frelimo MP Muanarera Abdala.
For its part, the opposition, made up of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), voted against, arguing that it fears the agreement will be used to persecute political opponents and violate human rights.
“It’s no secret that most Rwandans living in the country are persecuted by the dictatorial regime in Rwanda,” said Renamo MP Muhamad Yassine.
Silvério Ronguane, who spoke on behalf of the MDM, maintained that his party was not in favour because “Paul Kagame’s regime does not respect human rights and is oppressive”.
Meanwhile, in her speech, the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Helena Kida, said that the agreement is not aimed at political persecution, but only at preventing the country from becoming a refuge for dishonest people involved in committing crimes.
She also explained that the agreement is part of the commitment made by both countries to fight organised and transnational crime.
Since 2021, Rwandan forces have played a fundamental role in the fight against the rebels in Cabo Delgado, having helped to recapture locations that were once under the command of the insurgents.
