Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Friday commended the government and the people of Rwanda for granting their “brave and courageous” soldiers to support the northern province of Cabo Delgado in fighting ISIS terrorists.
Addressing a military parade of Mozambican and Rwandan troops at the naval base in Pemba, the Cabo Delgado provincial capital, Nyusi, standing alongside visiting Rwandan President Paul Kagame, praised the courage of both the Mozambican and Rwandan forces who have been fighting tirelessly to free the province from terrorists.
At the occasion, where both statesmen wore military uniforms, Nyusi expressed satisfaction at the high level of cooperation between the two countries, which has translated into success in the theatre of operations.
The high level of cooperation, Nyusi stressed, is also reflected in the way Rwandan troops have earned a good reputation among the communities in Gabo Delgado.
“The young Rwandan troops have set an example to be shared,” Nyusi declared, adding that they are much loved by the communities.
He also thanked the sense of mission conveyed by his counterpart to the troops of both countries in Cabo Delgado who must ensure that the areas they have liberated are rebuilt for a decent return of the displaced populations.
The joint operations of the Mozambican and Rwandan forces have successfully liberated areas such as the port town of Mocimboa da Praia, the locality of Awasse, the administrative post of Mbau and places near the Afungi Peninsula where a multimillion dollar gas project is to be developed, but was halted following terror attacks.
The Mozambican Defence and Security forces and the Rwandan army have guaranteed that the situation is returning to normal in Mocimboa da Praia and Mbau, after freeing these areas from the terrorists.
Mozambican colonel Feliciano Raibo told reporters that Mbau is now free from terrorists and presently some “brothers in arms” are in places like Siri One and Two, formerly the main ISIS bases in the region, Marere and even the banks of the Messalo River.
The area, he declared, had completely fallen into the hands of the terrorists, but thanks to the work of the joint mission, Mbau has been fully recovered. He pointed out that it was strategically important to regain the territory for the success of the joint mission, since it was the stronghold of the terrorists.
“This was regarded as an impenetrable area because of the terrorists. It was difficult to get here and before we regained the area, many hideous events occurred here. It was very difficult to regain the place once seen as their stronghold. But commitment and will have brought back order to the region,” he said.
Mbau was recovered on 20-21 August, following an offensive that lasted several days.
Raibo declined to comment on the number of casualties on both sides, claiming that this is a military issue that cannot be disclosed.
