In a context marked by political complexity and regional tensions, the announcement by the Council of the European Union of additional funding of €20 million to support the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, has provoked mixed reactions and raised crucial questions about its implications and consequences.
This decision, taken within the framework of the European Peace Facility, aims to strengthen the RDF’s commitment to the fight against terrorism in a volatile region, particularly following the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique. While the European aid is intended to support efforts to secure Cabo Delgado and to strengthen the RDF’s operational capacities, it remains controversial, particularly because of accusations made by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in the east of the country.
Criticisms by Congolese political actors, as well as civil society figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, highlight the complex geopolitical issues surrounding this issue. While the European Union justifies its support for the RDF by their crucial role in securing Cabo Delgado, some believe that this aid could contribute to aggravating tensions in the Great Lakes region, rather than calming them.
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, defends Europe’s commitment to “African solutions to African problems”, stressing the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to address global security challenges. Despite the divergences and controversies surrounding this decision, it is indisputable that the situation in Cabo Delgado requires a collective and coordinated response to combat terrorism and promote regional stability.
Ultimately, the allocation of additional funds to the RDF underlines the need for a balanced and pragmatic approach, taking into account both security imperatives and regional political considerations. It is essential that all stakeholders engage in constructive and transparent dialogue to promote peace, security and sustainable development in the region, in order to ensure a better future for local populations and contribute to the consolidation of stability in Africa.