Africa
| Protests & Movements
Mozambique
WATCH: Mozambicans Demand Kagame Withdraw His Troops alleged killing Citizens
Mbeki edmond
Nov 12, 2024
photo illustration xtrafrica studio
Thousands of Mozambican internet users took to the social media pages of Rwanda's President over the weekend, urging the withdrawal of Rwandan military forces from Mozambique.
They claimed that Rwandan troops, present in the country since October 21, were involved in suppressing Mozambican citizens protesting the October 9 election results.
Rumors began circulating last Friday, suggesting that Rwandan forces were aiding Mozambican authorities to control unarmed protesters while also protecting Mozambique's Head of State from potential threats.
Several Local Reports claimed that Rwandan military personnel, some in plain clothes, others in Mozambican police uniforms, and carrying armored vehicles, were in Maputo to support the crackdown on demonstrations.
During a protest last Saturday in Matola’s Intaka district, protesters alleged that Rwandan forces were involved in blocking their peaceful march.
Some Mozambicans expressed their frustrations directly to President Kagame on social media. "Please withdraw your troops from our homeland, sir. There is no terrorism in Maputo; we are resolving family matters," one user wrote, urging Rwanda to limit its involvement to Cabo Delgado. Another added, "Stop helping our leaders commit murders against the people. We have suffered enough at the hands of these tyrants. Stop massacring the people!”
WATCH VIDEO BELOW FROM LOCAL CITIZEN
Others voiced similar sentiments, with one stating,
“We Mozambicans ask you to withdraw your troops from our territory. We do not want war; we are just fighting peacefully for our rights." Another urged, "Kagame, do not stain your soul with innocent blood by supporting criminal politicians.”
Rwandan forces have been in Mozambique since July 2021, deployed in Cabo Delgado to combat terrorist threats as part of a security agreement, though details of the arrangement are not fully disclosed to the public.
In response to the recent accusations, Rwanda's Government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, denied any presence of Rwandan troops in Maputo. "There are no Rwandan troops in Maputo," she stated, clarifying that Rwandan Security Forces are stationed solely in Cabo Delgado to assist Mozambican forces against Islamist insurgents in the region.
