Luanda, Angola — At the AU–EU Summit convened under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism,” Rwanda was represented by Foreign Minister Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe. His presence signals Kigali’s active engagement in shaping Africa–Europe cooperation on security, stability, and economic transformation.
During a high-level session on peace, security, governance and multilateralism, Nduhungirehe emphasised the need for sustained and predictable financing for African-led peace support operations. He argued that continental security challenges demand African ownership — underpinned by reliable resources — rather than dependency on external or ad-hoc funding.
Referring to the ongoing instability in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda’s minister underscored that lasting peace requires good-faith engagement, accountability, and genuine commitment from all parties involved. He warned against peace processes reduced to ceremonial statements, asserting that concrete actions are essential to restore stability across the region.
Beyond security concerns, Nduhungirehe advocated for a paradigm shift in the AU–EU partnership: from aid-based cooperation to mutually beneficial trade, investment, industrialization and economic transformation. He framed Rwanda’s engagement within a broader African push for equal-footing partnerships, economic sovereignty and sustainable development.
By voicing these priorities at the summit, Rwanda positioned itself at the intersection of continental stability and economic ambition — reinforcing its commitment to multilateral diplomacy, regional solidarity, and responsible African leadership. The intervention also aligns with the summit’s broader goals of strengthening peace, governance, trade, and institutional collaboration across Africa and Europe.
Rwanda’s Track Record: From Peacekeeping to Regional Stabilization
Even as Rwanda voiced these principles in Luanda, its international engagement already offers concrete examples — particularly in the Central African Republic and Mozambique — of how Kigali translates ideals into action.
Central African Republic: Stabilization through Peacekeeping
Rwanda is among the top contributors of personnel to the UN stabilization mission in the CAR (the MINUSCA). Rwandan contingents have been deployed since the early years of the crisis (from 2014 onward), providing security, protecting civilians, and helping restore state authority in conflict-affected zones.
Beyond armed presence, Rwanda has invested in community-oriented peacekeeping: its troops often participate in building local infrastructure (schools, water supply), supporting social services, and engaging with vulnerable communities — a model that combines security and development. By doing so, Rwanda has contributed to stabilizing volatile areas, reducing violence, and laying groundwork for long-term recovery.
Mozambique: Counter-insurgency and Security Sector Reform
Since 2021, at the request of the Mozambican government, Rwanda deployed a joint force (military and police) to the conflict-torn province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique — an area plagued by jihadist insurgency. Rwandan forces undertook combat and stabilization operations, helping restore state authority in key districts.
Moreover, Rwanda has been engaged in training Mozambican security forces as part of security-sector reform, aiming to build sustainable national capacity for long-term stability. Observers note that this intervention helped reduce insurgent activity significantly, allowing internally displaced persons to begin returning home under safer conditions.
Implications: What Rwanda’s Example Adds to Its Summit Message
By referencing its own record in CAR and Mozambique — where Rwanda backed up principles with concrete action — Kigali brings credibility to its call at the AU–EU Summit for African-owned peace and equal partnerships. The combination of active deployments, community-oriented peacebuilding, and security-sector reforms provides a working model of how African states can contribute constructively to continental stability.
For the AU–EU agenda, Rwanda’s track record reinforces the argument that Africa can — and should — play a leading role in its own security and development. It also signals to European partners that African capacity and commitment are available, potentially opening the door to reimagined cooperation built on trust, respect, and shared long-term interests.
At the same time, Rwanda’s interventions illustrate the complexity of regional security dynamics: stabilization efforts in one country often intersect with broader geopolitical and humanitarian challenges, which require sustained support, transparency, and collaboration beyond military means.
In this light, Rwanda’s contribution at the Summit — combined with its actual efforts on the ground — reflects a vision of Africa-led multilateralism, regional responsibility, and pragmatic solidarity.
