Relations between Mozambique and Rwanda are experiencing heightened tension, primarily due to a disagreement over the financial support for the approximately 5,000 Rwandan soldiers deployed in Cabo Delgado province. The Source of the Discord: Current funding for the deployment, partly supported by the European Union (EU), expires in May 2026. Faced with this uncertainty, Rwanda has made clear demands. Kigali is threatening to withdraw its troops if sustainable and predictable funding is not guaranteed by the May deadline.
The Rwandan government maintains that its contribution far exceeds the international aid it has received (EU support reportedly covers less than one-fifth of the actual costs) and expects a larger direct contribution from Mozambique. Mozambican authorities have recently refused to cover the costs of Rwandan troops, creating a diplomatic deadlock.
The current impasse stems from several converging factors:
- $22 Million Debt
As of April 15, 2026, the government of Mozambican President Daniel Chapo owed Rwanda more than $22 million. This debt arises from a confidential bilateral agreement under which Maputo commits to paying approximately $2 million per month. The Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) estimate their actual deployment costs to be significantly higher, ranging from $10 million to $20 million per month.
- Expiration of EU Funding
The European Union has officially confirmed that it will not renew its financial support, totaling approximately €46 million, when the current program expires in May 2026. In March 2026, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on the RDF due to its alleged role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The EU’s refusal to renew funding is primarily motivated by the fear of secondary sanctions and by internal political opposition from member states such as Belgium and France.
- Threats of Rwandan Withdrawal and Security Risks
Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that Rwanda is “ready to leave Mozambique” if its work is not properly recognized and if sustainable funding is not guaranteed. A withdrawal would create a security vacuum around critical energy platforms, notably TotalEnergies’ $20 billion LNG project and ExxonMobil’s operations, which rely heavily on the presence of over 4,000 Rwandan soldiers for their protection.
It should be noted that Mozambican President Chapo recently traveled to Brussels to plead for continued aid, while the EU remains firm on its withdrawal strategy.
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