The EU’s move to halt the funding, according to international media reports—redirecting its financial support directly to the Mozambican armed forces instead—prompted international media scrutiny.

In response, Rwanda and Mozambique have bypassed Brussels, moving to a direct bilateral funding structure to ensure security operations continue uninterrupted.

In his message Amb. Nduhungirehe recalled that Rwandan security forces was initially deployed to northern Mozambique in 2021 at the explicit invitation of the host government.

According to the minister, over the past five years, the military intervention has yielded highly visible results. The deployment successfully restored peace and security, returned internally displaced families to their homes, reopened schools, and restarted local commerce.

Furthermore, Rwandan forces have trained and continue to train Mozambican troops.

This secured environment enabled European and American multinational companies to safely resume operations, protecting an estimated $50 billion in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) investments.

While Rwandan forces previously received some assistance from the European Peace Facility (EPF), Nduhungirehe noted that the financial aid was minimal compared to Rwanda's actual expenditures and the EU's own significant economic interests in Cabo Delgado.

“Regrettably, two proposals submitted by the Government of Rwanda to Brussels were met with skepticism, and some EU member states politicized them (including countries that formerly colonized Rwanda).

Consequently, funding meant to assist the people of Mozambique was turned into a pretext for groundless criticism against Rwanda, which has been abandoned by countries that economically benefit from its operations in Cabo Delgado,” Amb. Nduhungirehe stated.

Because of political disagreements in the EU, Rwanda changed its funding plan. They are going back to their original 2021 agreement to work and fund directly with Mozambique.

“It is in this context that this year, Rwanda decided to return to the core of the partnership and work exclusively with the Government of Mozambique, which on its part has found and will continue to find the means to fund the operations of Rwandan security forces in Cabo Delgado,” the Minister added.

Nduhungirehe emphasized that bilateral cooperation between the two African nations has progressed smoothly over the years and will remain firmly on track, noting that Rwanda’s security presence is highly valued and appreciated by the Mozambican government.

Rwanda’s military presence in Mozambique has more than tripled since 2021, surging from an initial 2,000 troops to over 6,300 personnel today.