MAPUTO, (The Southern African Times) – Rwandan troops have been in Mozambique since July 9, helping fight terrorists in its northern province of Cabo Delgado, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has confirmed.
It was the first time for the Mozambican leader to comment on the substantial involvement of foreign troops in the country, following an agreement reached by Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries last month to militarily help Mozambique combat terrorism.
“A Rwandan contingent, comprising a military and police component, has been in our country since 9th of July, and we have formally notified the Southern African Development Community about the matter,” Nyusi said in his televised speech to the nation on Sunday night.
The president said Mozambique requests support from Rwanda for its experience and immediate availability, and that the support is priceless since the country cannot let more lives be lost.
“We shouldn’t fear support because no country fights terrorism alone. Mozambicans will be at the forefront as they know the terrain better,” Nyusi said. “We are a sovereign country and will continue to be.”
He said that although the country received proposals for military support from several countries, the first approach would be to rely on the regional organisation,SADC.
