Mozambique: Rwandan forces now routing terrorists in SADC controlled zones

Rwandan security forces in Mocimboa da Praia last year. The Rwandan forces have moved into Macomia district to support SADC troops there and the tide is already turning against the remnants of the terrorists there.

After removing the armed extremists linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) from their main strongholds in Cabo Delgado, the northernmost province of Mozambique, Rwandan forces have now moved into the SADC millitary mission's area in the district of Macomia, according to latest reports.

According to reports, for the last three weeks the Rwandans have been supporting the South African troops of SAMIM (SADC Military Mission in Mozambique) in the fight against the terrorists.

Rwandan forces are now operating in Macomia town and in Chai administrative post, one of the areas worst hit by terrorist raids. Rwandan forces have also deployed to coastal Macomia.

A curfew has now been imposed in Macomia town and in Chai. The number of terrorist incidents in Macomia has declined sharply in recent days, and this is attributed to the Rwandan presence.

The Rwandan forces used to be stationed only in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma districts.

Rwandan troops were deployed in Cabo Delgado, on July 9, 2021, to work with Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and SADC troops in designated sectors of responsibility.

The Rwandans were initially deployed in Palma, Mocimboa da Praia and Mueda. Palma and Mocímboa da Praia were the terrorists’ main strongholds. But the joint Rwandan and Mozambican forces repulsed the Islamic State-linked terrorist group there in less than three months. The rapid advance of the joint forces in the districts was a major blow to the insurgency. Last year, Rwandan forces together with the Mozambican defence and security forces, displaced the terrorists from their strongholds in these districts. Last August, a joint Mozambican and Rwandan force retook Mocimboa da Praia town, which had been in jihadist hands for about a year.

The SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) operates in Macomia, Nangade, Muidumbe and Quissanga districts.

Mid last October, Rwanda’s Defence and Military Spokesperson, Col Ronald Rwivanga, told VOA news agency that: “They (insurgents) were weakened and this is because of the way in which our forces, in cooperation with the Mozambican forces, fought them without giving them breathing space. The problem most armies often have is giving them breathing room. We did not give it to them. And that’s how it should be.

“We deprived them of what we call freedom of action, and freedom of maneuver. There is no breathing space. We don’t even want them to keep any territory where they can do their activities. They use territory to do very bad things; killing people and taking away their property.”

Rwandan forces only operated north of River Messalo and could not cross the river and chase the insurgents inside the SAMIM designated sectors of responsibility yet the insurgents were regularly infiltrating up north, across the river, to ambush Rwandan security forces.

With the Rwandans now allowed to move into the SADC zone of operation, things are again worsening for the terrorists who must again run for their dear lives. The Rwandan security forces are well trained and equipped, disciplined and fearless, observers say.

Government officials who had fled are beginning to return to Macomia, offices are re-opening and teachers are returning to the district. At least 10 primary schools and one secondary school are operating.

Defense Minister portrays “much more stable” situation

The Mozambican Defense Minister on April 19 said that the situation in Cabo Delgado is “much more stable”, indicating that the “biggest concern” is now the return of the population to the areas of origin, which are already safe.

“Overall, the situation is much more stable than last month” or other earlier periods of the conflict, Cristóvão Chume said.

The Minister was speaking in Maputo, on the sidelines of a meeting with Malawi’s deputy minister of Defense, Harry Mkandawir, who was visiting Mozambique.

According to the Mozambican defense minister, the situation in Cabo Delgado is “better every day”, with the occupation, by the military, of the regions where the insurgents were located.

 “The epicenter of our operations has moved from Palma and Mocímboa da Praia to Macomia and Nangade”, he said, referring that “cleaning” operations are taking place, alluding to the screening of the population.

Cristóvão Chume said that stability must be created in the area of ​​operations to ensure that the returnees have “the necessary peace” to “rebuild their homes”.

Malawi is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission that supports Mozambican troops in Cabo Delgado.

“Any problem that occurs in Mozambique will be a problem for Malawi, we need each other,” said Harry Mkandawir, Malawi’s deputy defense minister.  “We have been debating how we can live in peace.”