Rwanda’s Involvement in the Congo War Does Not Affect European Union Funding in Cabo Delgado

- EU spokesperson says Rwanda continues to comply with the terms of the funding agreement

- EU describes the presence of Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado as a "necessary and tangible contribution to fighting the insurgency"

By Ricardo Dias

Maputo (MOZTIMES)—In response to emailed queries, Jennifer Sanchez da Silva, the press officer for foreign affairs and security policy at the European Union (EU), said Rwanda is continuing to comply with the contractual terms governing EU funding for counter-terrorism efforts in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado.

At stake is the EU-funded deployment of Rwandan troops to combat jihadist groups in Cabo Delgado, with a total budget of 20 million euros, disbursed by the European Council through the European Peace Facility (EPF).

With Rwanda's involvement in the ongoing armed conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the M23 rebel group is fighting against the Congolese government, the EU has imposed sanctions on the Kigali regime.

Jennifer da Silva reaffirmed that the "territorial integrity of the DRC is non-negotiable. The UN Charter applies everywhere."

However, EU funding for Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado remains unaffected by Kigali's involvement in the DRC war.

"Rwanda has so far fulfilled all commitments related to the European Peace Facility (EPF) assistance measure for its military deployment in Mozambique," said Jennifer da Silva. "EPF support is provided based on guarantees of strict compliance with international humanitarian law and respect for human rights".

It is estimated that around 4,000 Rwandan military personnel and police officers are currently deployed in Cabo Delgado to help combat the jihadist insurgency. Initially, Rwanda sent a contingent of 1,000 men and women in July 2021, but over time, this number has increased to around 4,000.

The area under the responsibility of Rwandan troops has also expanded. Initially, they were deployed only in the districts of Palma and Mocímboa da Praia, a region that hosts natural gas exploration projects led by multinational companies, notably the French firm TotalEnergies, which has an approved investment of 23 billion US dollars. But over time, Rwandan troops have moved further south and are now also responsible for the districts of Muidumbe, Macomia, Ancuabe, and Montepuez.

"This [Rwandan] support is necessary and highly appreciated by Mozambique, constituting a tangible contribution to fighting the terrorist insurgency in Cabo Delgado and protecting the local population," said da Silva, confirming the EU's continued support for Rwandan troops in the region.

Post-Election Crisis in Mozambique

Jennifer da Silva also commented on the post-election crisis in Mozambique, stating that the European Union remains open to supporting the country in a "dialogue process involving all relevant stakeholders to implement the necessary and urgent reforms."

She emphasised the need for dialogue to align with the aspirations of Mozambicans, which she described as seeking "democratic governance, respect for human rights, sustainable development, and a prosperous economy whose benefits can be shared by all Mozambicans."

It should be noted that the EU's election observation mission in Mozambique expressed strong concerns regarding the integrity of the elections, which led to the election of Daniel Chapo as President and the victory of the ruling Frelimo Party in the parliamentary elections. (RD)