The Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) contingent, which is helping the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces (FDS) in the fight against Islamic terrorists in Cabo Delgado province, in northern Mozambique, will now be commanded by Major General Emmy Ruvusha, who replaces Major General Alex Kagame, brother of Rwandan President Paul Kagame..

Alex Kagame has led Rwanda's military mission in Cabo Delgado since June last year.

According to the Rwandan daily "The New Times"The decision was announced yesterday, Tuesday (20), during the deployment of a relief force to Cabo Delgado.

Ruvusha has been commander of RDF Division 1, which covers Kigali and the Eastern Province, since the end of August 2023.

"The new RDF military contingent departed yesterday from Kigali International Airport, after having been briefed by the RDF Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, and Police Commissioner Vincent Sano, Deputy Inspector General of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) in charge of Operations," reads the statement.

The statement explains that the troops will replace the force that has been in Cabo Delgado for the last year.

"Over the past three years, the Rwandan Security Forces, in collaboration with the Mozambique Armed Forces, have achieved remarkable success in dismantling the Al Sunna Wa Jama (ASWJ) terrorist group from its strongholds [and] defensive positions in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. This has allowed a significant number of internally displaced people to return safely to their villages," the document says.

The document goes on to say that Rwandan Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, speaking to the troops before their departure, underlined the importance of maintaining the discipline and impetus that the Rwandan Security Forces have achieved over the last three years in Mozambique.

The forces were also urged to always foster teamwork and avoid mistakes that tarnish Rwanda's reputation.

(Photo DR)