The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, and Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, CP Vincent Sano, welcomed back Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) personnel, who completed their tour of duty in Cabo Delgado province, in northern Mozambique. The contingent, which served under the command of Maj Gen Alex Kagame, arrived at Kigali International Airport on a RwandAir plane on Friday, September 20. ALSO READ: Gen Ruvusha assumes command of Rwanda Security Forces in Mozambique The contingent played a crucial role in stabilizing the region, which had been ravaged by an Islamic State-linked insurgency, according to the RDF. Their relief force was deployed in August. Nyakarundi, who delivered a message on behalf of President Paul Kagame, the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, congratulated the troops for their contribution to the fight against terrorism. He highlighted their efforts in rescuing civilians, protecting communities, and facilitating the return of over 87 per cent of internally displaced people to their homes, according to a statement by the RDF. VIDEO: Cabo Delgado residents thankful for Rwanda-Mozambique effort to pursue terrorists He also briefed the troops on Rwanda's current security situation and urged them to continue upholding discipline while working to defend the country. The RSF is now under the command of Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who assumed the duties earlier this month. Rwanda deployed troops to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government. The RSF, which is made up of military and police officers, is deployed in the districts of Moçimboa da Praia, Palma, Ancuabe, among others. Joint operations by Rwandan and Mozambican forces have cleared insurgents from most of the region. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Mozambique armies pursue terrorists in Nampula Province The Mozambican army said that about 90 per cent of the terrorist-affected areas had been stabilised by December 2023. The RSF conducted extensive operations to dismantle the Ansar Al Sunna Wal Jamaa terrorist group, enabling the resumption of socio-economic activities in the province located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. According to officials in the Southern African country, more than 250,000 displaced residents have returned to their homes, and economic activities have resumed in the three districts, which had been severely impacted by terrorist attacks since 2017. In addition to combat operations, the RSF also engages in civil-military activities such as building and renovating schools, distributing educational materials, and providing free medical care in Mocimboa da Praia and Ancuabe districts.
