Rwanda has made a significant contribution to the fight against terrorism in Africa. Over the past seven years, the country has donated 1 billion Rwandan Francs (about 1 million US dollars) to support counterterrorism initiatives in the Sahel region, which lies between North and West Africa.
This announcement was made by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, during a speech at the United Nations Security Council in New York. The meeting focused on how nations can work together to tackle terrorism, a growing threat across the African continent.
Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to working with global partners to find lasting solutions to Africa’s security challenges. He noted that the spread of terrorism, especially south of the Sahara Desert, has made regional cooperation even more crucial.
“The Sahel region faces immense challenges,” he said, “and terrorism thrives in places with weak governance, poverty, and unresolved conflicts.” He also pointed to the struggles of many African countries with poorly controlled borders and limited security forces, which make it easier for terrorist groups to spread.
Rwanda has been particularly involved in supporting the people of the Sahel. Since 2018, Rwanda has worked closely with local communities to provide vital assistance. One key effort has been supporting the G5 Sahel Joint Force, a military collaboration among five Sahelian countries to fight terrorism.
“We are committed to regional cooperation,” Minister Nduhungirehe said. “We continue to stand with the people of Sahel as they face these violent challenges.”
The minister also emphasized that terrorism is no longer confined to the Sahel. It is spreading to other parts of West Africa, including countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo. “The threat is real and urgent,” he added, urging for more unified regional action.
Rwanda’s support goes beyond the Sahel. In Mozambique, for example, Rwanda has been helping since 2021 to combat terrorist groups in the Cabo Delgado province. The government of Mozambique requested assistance, and Rwanda responded by sending troops and police to restore peace.
Since then, Rwanda’s forces, in cooperation with Mozambique’s military and other regional forces, have successfully driven out terrorist groups from several areas. “We are seeing tangible progress,” said Minister Nduhungirehe. “Security is now at over 90%, and people are returning to their homes.”
Minister Nduhungirehe also expressed his appreciation for the Algerian government’s role in hosting the UN Security Council meeting. He thanked Algerian Minister Ahmed Attaf for inviting Rwanda to participate.
As Algeria takes the helm of the UN Security Council in January 2025, Minister Nduhungirehe congratulated President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his leadership in fighting terrorism and extremism across Africa.
Rwanda’s efforts in these regions reflect its deep commitment to peace and security on the continent, proving that cooperation and solidarity can make a real difference in the fight against terrorism.
