KIGALI – The Government of Rwanda has hit back at reports suggesting that the European Union’s financial support for counter-terrorism operations in Mozambique is a “favor” to the country, warning that the sustainability of the mission depends on predictable international backing.
Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo clarified on Friday that Rwanda’s intervention in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province was never driven by financial gain, but by a commitment to regional stability and African solidarity.
The sustainability of Rwanda’s bilateral counter-terrorism deployment in Mozambique, if our forces are actually needed, depends on adequate, predictable funding.
This is what the European Peace Facility partly funds, and so far around €20m has been disbursed. The full cost to… https://t.co/FuKDp0fpIW
— Yolande Makolo 🇷🇼 (@YolandeMakolo) March 13, 2026
Mission Sustainability at Stake
Responding to a Bloomberg report indicating that EU funding through the European Peace Facility (EPF) is set to expire in May 2026 without immediate plans for renewal, Makolo emphasized the lopsided nature of the mission’s financing.
- Financial Disparity: While the EU has disbursed approximately €20 million to date, Rwanda has covered the vast majority of the operation’s costs.
- The 10x Factor: Makolo revealed that the full cost to the Rwandan government is at least 10 times the amount received from international partners.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice: Beyond the financial burden, the spokesperson highlighted the “ultimate sacrifice” of Rwandan soldiers who have lost their lives to stabilize the region.
Tangible Successes in Cabo Delgado
Since the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) first deployed in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, the security landscape in northern Mozambique has undergone a dramatic shift. Makolo noted that the mission’s results are undeniable:
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Civilian Return: Thousands of displaced people have returned to their homes.
- Social Restoration: Schools have reopened and local businesses are once again operational.
- Economic Security: The mission has successfully secured multi-billion dollar foreign investments in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which are critical to global energy markets.
“To be clear, the work of RDF in countering terrorism in Cabo Delgado has benefitted the Mozambican people and the companies investing in LNG, and supporting that work is not a favor being granted to Rwanda,” Makolo stated.
A Warning on Future Deployment
The spokesperson’s remarks carried a clear warning regarding the future of the bilateral arrangement. She suggested that if the efforts and sacrifices of the Rwandan Security Forces are not “appreciated” or supported through adequate, predictable funding, the RDF Command would be justified in advising a full withdrawal.
“Should the RDF Command assess that the work being done… is not appreciated, they would be right to urge the government to end this bilateral counter-terrorism arrangement and pull out,” she added.
The current EU funding cycle is scheduled to end in May 2026. As the deadline approaches, the international community faces a critical question regarding who will bear the burden of maintaining the security gains in one of Africa’s most strategic energy hubs.
