On December 23, 2025, a high-level Mozambican delegation led by the President of the Assembly of the Republic, Margarida Adamugi Talapa, conducted a strategic visit to the Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) contingent in Mocímboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado. This was not merely a ceremonial gesture but a significant political endorsement of a foreign military mission that has become pivotal to Mozambique’s security. The visit underscores the deepening, results-oriented partnership between Maputo and Kigali in a conflict that has threatened regional stability and vital economic projects.
Accompanying Speaker Talapa were key figures responsible for the province’s security and governance: the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Valige Tauabo, and the Commander of the Mozambique Armed Forces (FADM), Major General André Rafael Mahunguane. Their presence signaled a unified Mozambican political and military front engaging with its Rwandan partners.
The delegation was received by RSF Commander, Major General Vincent Gatama, who provided a detailed operational briefing. This exchange is critical for maintaining political-military alignment, ensuring Mozambican leaders are directly apprised of the realities on the ground where Rwandan troops, operating under a bilateral agreement, have taken a leading combat role.
In her address, Madam Talapa’s commendations carried substantial weight. She framed the RSF’s mission within the essential context of national development, stating that “peace and security are fundamental pillars for sustainable development.” This links military success directly to Mozambique’s ability to revive the multi-billion-dollar LNG projects in the Palma district and restore normalcy for hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians. Her call for the forces to “remain steadfast” was both a vote of confidence and a public acknowledgment that the mission, while successful, is not yet complete.
Talapa explicitly praised the “strong cooperation” between the forces, highlighting a model of interoperability that has proven effective. The Rwandan deployment, which began in July 2021 at Mozambique’s request, represents a unique African-led security solution. Unlike larger, more bureaucratic multinational missions, the RSF-FADM partnership has been characterized by rapid deployment, aggressive joint operations, and a shared tactical approach. Her statement, “This kind of unity strengthens the cooperation between Mozambique and Rwanda,” points to a relationship expanding beyond defense into broader economic and diplomatic ties.
The article references the campaign’s significant milestones over four years. To understand the scale of this achievement, one must consider the context: in early 2021, the Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama’a (ASWJ) insurgents held the strategic port of Mocímboa da Praia for over a year and launched a devastating attack on Palma. The joint RSF-FADM offensive systematically dislodged the insurgents from these urban strongholds, degrading their command structure and forcing them into scattered, rural hideouts. This tactical victory created the necessary security conditions for the gradual return of displaced populations and the cautious resumption of humanitarian and development activities—a tangible outcome of the partnership Talapa celebrated.
This visit serves multiple strategic purposes: it bolsters domestic political support for the continued presence of foreign troops, publicly reinforces the state’s authority in a once-lost region, and signals to investors and international partners that a credible security framework is being consolidated. The presence of Mozambique’s top parliamentary figure at an RSF base is a powerful symbol of ownership and gratitude for a mission that has altered the trajectory of the Cabo Delgado conflict.
This analysis is based on a summary of an original report. Full credit goes to the original source. We invite our readers to explore the original article for more insights directly from the source. (Source)