The spokesperson for the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo, stated that Rwanda has for a long time carried alone the burden of fighting terrorism in Mozambique, emphasizing that the time has come for a sustainable and reliable funding mechanism to support these operations.
Her remarks come just days after Rwanda indicated it is prepared to withdraw its troops from Mozambique if no stable financial support system for the counterterrorism mission is established.
On March 27, the French newspaper Le Monde reported that the European Union had recently announced it would halt funding for Rwanda’s military operations in Mozambique.
On April 1, The Wall Street Journal reported that Rwanda had adopted what it described as a “David versus Goliath” approach, suggesting that following sanctions imposed by the United States, Rwanda had decided to suspend its military operations in Mozambique.
Makolo stated that Rwanda’s position is clear and based on known facts, contrary to reports by these media outlets, which suggest that Rwanda’s potential withdrawal of troops is linked to international pressure from U.S. sanctions accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group.
Addressing both reports, Yolande Makolo explained that Rwanda’s primary concern is securing a sustainable funding framework for counterterrorism operations, noting that the country has long shouldered this responsibility alone.
Makolo said that Rwanda’s position is clear and based on known facts
She said, “Rwanda will not request additional funds from the European Peace Facility; that responsibility lies with Mozambique. Rwanda’s deployment of forces requires a sustainable funding mechanism, and this concerns the Government of Mozambique and its partners who have significant investments in Cabo Delgado, as has always been the case.”
“Otherwise, Rwanda is proud of the contribution it has made alongside Mozambicans in fighting terrorism, protecting the population of Cabo Delgado, and helping restore an environment conducive to investment.” Currently, Rwanda has deployed approximately 6,300 troops and police officers in Mozambique, up from the initial 2,000 deployed in 2021.
The increase was aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts, particularly to fill the gap left by SADC forces that withdrew in 2024. Yolande Makolo reiterated that Rwanda has long carried the burden of counterterrorism operations in Mozambique largely on its own.
