Anti-government protests have rocked Mozambique's capital since the October 9 presidential election, in which the ruling Frelimo party secured victory. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for street demonstrations to contest Daniel Chapo's 70.7% election win.
Amid the ongoing protests, claims surfaced on social media suggesting that Rwandan troops deployed to fight terrorists in Cabo Delgado had joined local security forces to quell the protests, allegations that the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) swiftly dismissed as false.
In a recent statement, the EU affirmed the RDF's position, insisting that "No evidence has been put forward to support the claims that Rwandese troops are present in Maputo."
The EU, which supports the Rwandan troop mission in Cabo Delgado through facilitation and equipment, also dismissed reports that it was funding Rwandan security forces to violently repress the protests.
"As a friend and partner of the people of Mozambique, the European Union supports the country in restoring peace, security, and stability across Cabo Delgado through an integrated approach combining efforts in the areas of peace and security, development, and humanitarian aid.
"The European Union absolutely refutes the grave and groundless allegations that the EU is financing the Rwandese army in Mozambique to violently repress protests in Maputo," the EU stated.
The EU warned against misinformation saying, "The European Union cautions against the spread of misinformation and calls on all parties to observe calm, restraint, and a sense of responsibility."
Through the European Peace Facility (EPF), the European Union equips the Rwandan Defence Forces with protective individual equipment and covers the costs of transporting military staff to fight the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
"EPF support takes place in full compliance with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and its implementation is subject to rigorous safeguards, controls, and monitoring mechanisms," the EU added.
Rwandan forces are helping Mozambique's army fight militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017.
Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 after the insurgency escalated, with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property.
Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
