Mar 14 • 22:33 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

Rwanda threatens to withdraw its support for the anti-jihadist fight in Mozambique

Rwanda has warned that it may withdraw its troops from Mozambique's northern anti-jihadist operations unless sustainable funding is secured.

On March 14, Rwanda expressed its intention to withdraw support for anti-jihadist measures in Mozambique unless it receives assurances of ongoing financial support. The warning comes as Rwanda has been militarily involved in Cabo Delgado, a northern region plagued by jihadist violence, and is currently facing financial challenges related to this deployment. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda's foreign minister, highlighted that if sustainable funding is not guaranteed for their anti-terror operations, the Rwandan troops would leave the area.

The Rwandan government has previously revealed that the European Peace Facility contributed approximately €20 million to its military operations in Mozambique, however, Rwanda claims the actual cost of the deployment exceeds this figure by a significant margin. This situation raises concerns about the long-term viability of the anti-jihadist campaign in Mozambique, especially as international cooperation remains crucial for managing such conflicts.

With TotalEnergies recently announcing the resumption of their large-scale liquefied natural gas project in the region, stakes are high as the interplay between security and economic interests takes center stage. The potential withdrawal of Rwandan support could affect not only the region's stability but also impact energy projects vital for Mozambique's economic prospects, thus inciting further exploration of funding mechanisms for international military support.

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