Cabo Delgado: Population losing confidence in Rwandan Forces

 

Cabo Delgado, a province in northern Mozambique, has been living with insecurity since 2017, when the insurgency spread across much of the region.

The constant violence and attacks have placed communities in a vulnerable situation, directly affecting the population's trust in Mozambique's security forces.

In the early years of the conflict, the local population developed a sense of distrust towards the Mozambican military. This was due to insurgents misusing military uniforms, which led to confusion and a loss of trust in the forces.

In an increasingly insecure environment, the Mozambican forces were seen as enemies by much of the affected communities.

The arrival of the Rwandan forces in 2021 initially brought a wave of hope to the population. Tired of the violence, the locals began to trust the Rwandan troops, coordinating their actions with them in a joint effort to combat the insurgents.

Despite this, collaboration with the Mozambican forces was not interrupted, and both forces continued to work together to ensure security in Cabo Delgado.

However, trust in the Rwandan forces has diminished, especially after recent attacks in Macomia, Chai district, and Litandacua, which occurred three days ago. During these attacks, the Rwandan troops were in the area, but there was no intervention on their part, causing frustration and disappointment among the local population.

Macomia, which had already been a frequent target of the insurgents, was again attacked without an effective response from the Rwandan forces.

There were also recent attacks by the insurgents in the districts of Mocímboa da Praia and Palma, areas under the jurisdiction of the Rwandan armed forces.

This situation has raised questions among the inhabitants of Cabo Delgado, who are wondering about the true mission of the Rwandan troops in Mozambique. The lack of clarification from local authorities has increased concerns, leaving the population without a clear explanation about the role of these forces in the region.

The trust that was once placed in the Rwandan forces is now being shaken by their perceived ineffectiveness in critical situations, and the population of Cabo Delgado finds itself once again in a state of uncertainty, without clear answers about the security and future of the province.

The situation remains tense, and the search for a solution continues to be one of the biggest challenges for the Mozambican authorities and the international forces involved. (BP & AA)