International
Mozambique: Rwandan forces now routing terrorists in SADC controlled zones
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.”