RWANDA DEFENCE FORCE ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF BEGINS HIS VISIT TO CABO DELGADO, MOZAMBIQUE

The Army Chief of Staff (ACOS) of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, today commenced an official visit to Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique.

While in the coastal city of Pemba, the delegation held a meeting with the Army Commander of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM), Major General André Rafael Mahunguane. The discussions focused on jointly assessing the prevailing security situation in Cabo Delgado and reviewing future operational plans. Both the Rwandan and Mozambican forces reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation and to working collaboratively towards achieving their shared operational objectives.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cabo Delgado Province, Valige Tauabo. During the engagement, members received a comprehensive briefing on the current security situation in the province.

Discussions centred on ongoing joint operations conducted by the Rwanda Security Forces and Mozambican forces to counter terrorism, as well as on strategies to further strengthen security efforts across the province.

Major General Nyakarundi commended the strong partnership between the Rwandan and Mozambican security forces, noting that their resilience and dedication have significantly contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in Cabo Delgado. He reaffirmed Rwanda’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining normalcy throughout the province.

Major General Mahunguane expressed appreciation for the contribution of the Rwanda Security Forces in combating Islamic State-linked terrorists, underscoring the positive impact of the bilateral partnership. Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and lasting security for the people of Mozambique and the wider region.

In the a meeting with the  Governor Tauabo conveyed his gratitude for the steadfast role played by the Rwanda Security Forces in restoring security across the province, as well as for their support in enhancing community welfare through various civil–military cooperation initiatives.

Later in the evening, the ACOS visited Mocímboa da Praia, the headquarters of the Rwanda Security Forces in Cabo Delgado. Addressing RSF troops comprising RDF and Police personnel, he delivered a message of appreciation from the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF and President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, commending them for their courage and dedication.

The ACOS urged the troops to remain vigilant, emphasizing that discipline remains fundamental to the success of their mission, which aims to support Mozambican state authority through combat operations and security sector reform initiatives.