What does Rwanda expect from sending Army and police forces to Mozambique?

The Spokesperson for the Rwandan Armed Forces, Col Ronald Rwivanga has explained that sending troops to Mozambique will benefit the Rwandan Armed Forces and the SADC as far as security of the people and the country in general is concerned.

Col. Rwivanga made the comment during an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s popular News website.

He said that what Rwanda will benefit from is that it will be able to restore peace in a friend country.

In 2015, Rwanda signed the Kigali Agreement to Protect the Security of the People in All Areas of War and Conflict.

Col Ronald Rwivanga said: “What we will benefit from is that we will be implementing the 2015 agreement to protect the safety of the people wherever they are, which is our responsibility.” We are committed to restoring peace in the war-torn region, so if you are committed to something, you must implement it, which is why we have sent troops to fulfil our commitments. “

The Army Spokesman also said that another reason why Rwanda is committed to contributing to the restoration of peace in Cabo Delgado Province is a lesson learnt from the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which took place in the presence of the United Nations and other countries who did nothing to stop it.

“… This decision is based on our history, the history of Rwanda’s neglect in times of need. So we wouldn’t want our experiences to happen to other people anywhere in the World. That is why we believe that we can contribute to the restoration of peace around the world by preventing the recurrence of such a horrible thing as the Genocide. ”

How long will the Rwandan Armed Forces and Police Mission remain in Mozambique?

Often when the army and police go on a mission, they have a timeline for the mission. However, this is not the case with the Rwandan army’s mission to Mozambique, as the timing is unknown

Col Rwivanga explained that there would be no time limit for these troops to be in Mozambique, “We have a job given to us, the mission is not for one day, we are going to do the job they gave us, when the work is done we will return, and when it is not we will continue [the struggle].”

The rebels that Rwandan troops are going to deal with have a lot of strength and training, especially when it comes to fighting in populated cities, which is why some people are worried about the 1,000 soldiers and police officers who went to war, saying they are small compared to the work environment.

Col Rwivanga said the concerns should not be exacerbated as Rwanda will join forces with the South African forces, the SADC, and the Mozambican forces.

“Their job [with the Rwandan military and police] is to maintain security, in collaboration with the Mozambican army, and the SADC forces to restore peace in the country,” he said.

SADC troops are expected to arrive in Mozambique on July 15, after being approved by the Council last month, and also set a $ 12 million budget.

The spokesman added that the troops going to Mozambique are aware of the situation, explaining that in addition to fighting, the Rwandan army will train the Mozambican forces to defeat the enemy.

“The work we will be doing is a regular job, including fighting if necessary, but also building capacity. We are not just going to fight, there are other activities including capacity building through training, it is also our responsibility. ” He said.

Rwanda National Police spokesperson CP John Bosco Kabera said that the Rwandan Armed Forces and the Rwanda National Police will take turns to protect each other in the context of security. The issue of the police is in the context of counter-terrorism as its mission, we will work together with the Mozambique Police. The other is to protect the security of the people and restore peace.”

He added that they will work with the Mozambique Police “In the form of training and enhancement of knowledge in maintaining internal security in the country, we are all in charge.”

A third batch of troops and police is expected to move to Mozambique in the near future.