On Friday, May 23, 2025, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces (FADM), presided over the graduation ceremony of 525 Mozambican soldiers who completed intensive training conducted by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
The ceremony took place at the Nacala training center in Nampula Province, marking the culmination of a six-month rigorous program designed for ground combat troops.
President Chapo expressed gratitude to Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the RDF for their continued support in restoring peace and stability in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, which has been plagued by insurgency since 2017.
He highlighted that such comprehensive training programs were last conducted in Mozambique in 2011 by the United States Armed Forces, emphasizing the significance of having a friendly nation like Rwanda provide such capacity-building support.
Major General Emmy Ruvusha, the head of the Rwandan forces in Mozambique, commended the Mozambican leadership for their collaboration and support in the joint efforts to combat terrorism.
He reminded the graduating soldiers that training is an ongoing process and urged them to apply the skills acquired to maintain peace and security in their country.
The training encompassed various aspects, including counterterrorism tactics, urban warfare, close-quarters combat, intelligence gathering, hostage rescue operations, and rapid response strategies.
Since July 2021, Rwanda has deployed over 1,000 troops and police officers to Mozambique to assist in counterinsurgency operations in Cabo Delgado. Following successful missions, the RDF has transitioned to training Mozambican forces to ensure sustainable security in the region.
