(3 minutes read)
- Rwanda helped Mozambique to retake a strategic port that had been held by Islamic extremist rebels for the past year or so
- A joint force of Mozambican and Rwandan troops’ accomplished the task and regained control of Mocímboa da Praia in northern Mozambique over the weekend, making the military success a notable one for both the forces
- Rwanda’s troops have been helping Mozambique’s armed forces achieve victories against the insurgents since their arrival in the scene
Rwanda helped Mozambique to retake a strategic port that had been held by Islamic extremist rebels for the past year or so. A joint force of Mozambican and Rwandan troops’ accomplished the task and regained control of Mocímboa da Praia in northern Mozambique over the weekend, making the military success a notable one for both the forces. Rwanda’s troops have been helping Mozambique’s armed forces achieve victories against the insurgents since their arrival in the scene.
Joint operations between Mozambican and Rwandan forces are reportedly being financed by France. Forces deployed by Mozambique and Rwanda had taken control of public and private buildings in Mocímboa da Praia, including local government offices, the port, the airport, the hospital, markets, and restaurants.
Mocimboa da Praia, from where the first Islamist attacks were staged in October 2017, has since last year become the de-facto headquarters of the IS-linked extremists. Neighboring countries, under the aegis of the 16-member regional bloc Southern African Development Community (SADC) started sending in troops to quell the activities of the jihadists.