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MAPUTO. – Rwandan forces deployed last month to help Mozambique’s army battle jihadists said Sunday they had recaptured control of the key northern port of Mocimboa da Praia from the extremist militants.
The news is seen as a major gain for Mozambique in its fight against insurgents in its north
“The port city of Mocimboa da Praia, a major stronghold of the insurgency for more than two years has been captured by Rwandan and Mozambican security forces,” the Rwandan Defence Forces said in a tweet on Sunday. Force spokesman Colonel Ronald Rwivanga confirmed the development.
The port town, from where the first Islamist attacks were staged in October 2017, has since last year become the de-facto headquarters of the Islamic State-linked extremists, locally referred to as Al-Shabab.
Mocimboa da Praia “was the last stronghold of the insurgents, marking the end of the first phase of counter-insurgency operations which is dislodging insurgents from the stronghold,” Rwivanga said in a text message.
Rwanda sent in 1 000 troops last month to shore up Mozambican military forces that have been struggling to regain control over the northern Cabo Delgado province, which is home to one of Africa’s biggest liquefied natural gas projects.
“We will continue with security operations to completely pacify those areas and allow Mozambican and Rwandan forces to conduct stabilisation operations as (the displaced) return home and business continues,” added Rwivanga.
The Rwandan troops deployed on July 9, following an April visit to Kigali by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.
They were followed weeks later by forces from neighbouring countries, who are deploying under the aegis of the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Botswana deployed 296 soldiers on July 26, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who chairs SADC’s defence and security arm, has been outspoken on the urgent need for regional stability.
South Africa announced on July 28 it would deploy 1 495 soldiers. A day later, Zimbabwe unveiled plans to dispatch 304 soldiers to train Mozambique’s infantry battalions. –
Angola then deployed 20 specialised military airforce personnel while Namibia will contribute N$5.8 million towards the anti-insurgency offensive. – France24.com.
Online Reporter