Rwanda has warned that it may withdraw its troops from the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in northern Mozambique if certain conditions surrounding the mission are not addressed, raising concerns about the future of the fight against jihadist militants in the region.
Rwandan forces were first deployed to Mozambique in July 2021 to help the southern African nation combat a violent insurgency by extremist groups in Cabo Delgado Province. The militants, some of whom have pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization Islamic State, have carried out deadly attacks on villages, security forces, and major infrastructure projects, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Since their arrival, the Rwandan troops have been widely credited with helping Mozambican forces regain control of several strategic areas, including the key port town of Mocímboa da Praia, which had previously been a stronghold of insurgents.
However, officials in Rwanda have reportedly expressed frustration over issues related to funding arrangements, operational coordination, and long-term commitments from international partners supporting the mission. According to diplomatic sources, Kigali is reviewing its participation and could scale down or completely withdraw its forces if the concerns are not resolved.
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A withdrawal could significantly affect the security landscape in Mozambique, particularly in the troubled northern region of Cabo Delgado Province, where militant attacks have destabilized communities and threatened multi-billion-dollar gas projects.
The Rwandan deployment operates alongside regional forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which also maintains troops in the region under the SADC Mission in Mozambique. Together, these forces have helped push insurgents out of several towns, although sporadic attacks continue in remote areas.
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Security analysts warn that if Rwanda pulls out, it could create a gap in the fight against insurgents, potentially allowing militant groups to regroup and expand their operations.
For now, discussions between Kigali, Maputo, and international partners are ongoing as efforts continue to secure long-term support for the mission and maintain stability in the region.
Observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Rwanda remains a central player in Mozambique’s battle against extremist violence or shifts its focus elsewhere.
