Stepping out on the Stage

By Scott Morgan

Very few countries in the World are able to project stability beyond their borders at this point of time. However, there is one Nation that is actually pulling this off in Africa and other events are overshadowing their efforts.

There are two crisis spots where Rwanda has intervened in over the last year in Africa. The presence of the Rwandan Troops has been impactful leading to praise being lauded upon the Military as well.  Where have these forces been deployed to that resulted in such change? 

First of all is the Central African Republic. A Rwandan Force was sent to the struggling African Country last year. The onus was to provide stability before the elections that were run in December 2020. The Rwandan Troops assisted the CAR Army and their Russian " Advisors" in a Security Operation that achieved their objectives. Last Month it was announced as well that an additonal 300 Rwandan Troops are being sent to CAR as well for further assistance. It is clear that more news may originate from the crisis spot in the future. 

The second move caught some analysts by surprise. It was announced that Rwanda would send a force to Mozambique to assist in dealing with the Cabo Delgado Insurgency that had been gradually growing and gaining strength since it began in 2017. The arrival of the Rwandan Troops before a contingent of the SADC (Southern Africa Development Council) from South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe led to what appears to be change in momentum. 

The Rwandan Forces assisted the Mozambiquan Forces in liberating the Port of Mocimboa da Praia from Islamist Militants.  The capture of this port was a shock to the world as citizens literally had to escape by sea or by fleeing into the bush and led to subsequentcalls for International Support to assist Mozambique with this rapidly unfolding situation. 

The performance of the Rwandan Military in both crises during the same timeframe speaks to high standards of professionalism.  It is true that some will suspect the agenda that Kigali is currently following to present itself as a regional player. That being said the path that is being pursued is currently bearing fruit.  One can assume that the country will have to act upon its role in the never ending crisis in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

These deployments present Rwanda as a scion of stablilty in a region where Militias run rampant and corruption is the norm not the exception. How this will play out in the future is unseen but can be seen as positive. 

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