Rwanda Denies Troop Presence in Mozambique Amidst Political Unrest

The spokesperson for the Rwandan government, Yolande Makolo, denied the presence of Rwandan troops in Maputo, stating that they are only in Cabo Delgado to combat extremist groups. The political situation in Mozambique remains tense following contested election results, with opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane calling for protests. The capital has seen a temporary lull in violent demonstrations after several intense days.

The Government of Rwanda has officially denied the presence of its troops in Maputo, following a series of rumors suggesting otherwise amid ongoing post-election unrest in Mozambique. Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government, clarified via her official social media account that the Rwandan Security Forces are solely stationed in Cabo Delgado province. Their deployment aims to support Mozambican forces in combating extremist Islamist groups threatening the region’s stability. Makolo specifically refuted claims concerning the mobilization of Rwandan forces and armored vehicles to Maputo, describing such assertions as unfounded. Additionally, Mozambique’s political situation remains tense following the elections held on October 9, where the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) party announced the victory of Daniel Chapo with 70.67% of the votes. In contrast, opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, representing the extra-parliamentary Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), received 20.32% and has publicly contested the election results. Mondlane has called for a week of general strikes and demonstrations to protest against what he claims are illegitimate election outcomes, arranging further marches in Maputo on November 7. The period surrounding the elections has been marred by significant civil unrest, resulting in police intervention and reported casualties. Today, Maputo witnessed a semblance of calm following several chaotic days marked by protests and violent clashes. The Ministry of Health and safety measures were enhance to ensure public safety in light of the protests Mozambique’s voting process and political landscape are under scrutiny from various civic organizations, with rising calls for transparency and accountability in electoral proceedings.

The recent political climate in Mozambique has been fraught with tension following the general elections held on October 9. The elections have led to widespread protests against the results, most notably from supporters of presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane. These demonstrations escalated into confrontations with security forces, underscoring pervasive grievances regarding electoral integrity in a country where Frelimo has maintained a stronghold on power since its independence in 1975. Concurrently, the situation is further complicated by the presence of Rwandan forces in the Cabo Delgado province, where they have been deployed alongside Mozambican troops to handle threats from Islamist militants. Confusion surrounding the involvement of Rwandan troops in the capital has intensified public concern and misinformation amidst an already volatile environment.

In conclusion, the Government of Rwanda has dispelled rumors regarding the deployment of its troops in Maputo, affirming their presence is limited to Cabo Delgado for the purpose of combating extremism. The political unrest in Mozambique continues to unfold, marked by protests against contested election results, leading to a call for further action by opposition parties. With the atmosphere in Maputo shifting towards calm after a tumultuous period, ongoing political developments warrant careful observation.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com