Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has criticized countries that fail to recognize the contribution of Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) to peacekeeping operations across Africa.
Speaking to RBA, Ambassador Nduhungirehe described the work of Rwanda’s military and police in restoring peace in various African countries as invaluable, and condemned attempts by some nations and international organizations to undermine or intimidate these efforts.
His remarks followed a Bloomberg report indicating that funding agreements provided by the European Union to support RDF peacekeepers in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, are set to expire in May 2026.
Minister Nduhungirehe said actions by some countries aimed at pressuring or intimidating Rwandan forces and police are counterproductive and hinder peacekeeping and security operations.
He emphasized that even if EU member states were to suspend funding for RDF troops in Cabo Delgado, Rwanda’s government deploys resources ten times the EU contribution, making such threats both misleading and dismissive of reality.
“Beyond the material support provided by the government, our soldiers risk their lives on the frontlines against insurgents in Cabo Delgado. All this is done for the people of Mozambique and the international community, as they have significant investments in the region,” he said.
Minister Nduhungirehe added that Rwanda’s commitment to peacekeeping will not be compromised under intimidation or sanctions. He stressed that cooperation with Mozambique will continue, but will be affected by any attempts to pressure Rwandan forces.
This statement comes after Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, confirmed that a €20 million EU grant allocated to RDF under the European Peace Facility for peacekeeping operations has been fully utilized. She noted that the actual cost of the mission borne by Rwanda is at least ten times that amount.
The €20 million grant was approved by EU foreign ministers during a meeting in Brussels on November 18, 2024, following a previous €20 million allocation in December 2022, shortly after the start of this peacekeeping mission.
The discussions around funding follow the U.S. sanctions imposed on RDF on March 2, 2026, accusing Rwanda of collaborating with the M23 rebel group, allegations that Rwanda has consistently denied.
Rwanda has provided peacekeeping services internationally for over 20 years, starting with Sudan in 2004 after the country faced political instability and security challenges.
Today, Rwanda ranks fourth among countries contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions, with more than 4,500 personnel deployed in South Sudan under UNMISS and in the Central African Republic under MINUSCA.
