Russia Offers Military Support to Combat Mozambique Terrorism

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov conducted a two-day working visit to Maputo on July 9 and 10, 2026, where he offered Moscow's support to eliminate a terrorist threat in northern Mozambique. During meetings with President Daniel Chapo and Foreign Minister Maria Manuela Lucas, Lavrov designated counterterrorism as a priority for the strategic partnership between the two nations. Russia's commitment includes the supply of military equipment and personnel training to assist government forces battling an Islamic State-linked insurgency in the oil-rich Cabo Delgado province.

The offer coincides with Russia's expansion in Africa through the Africa Corps paramilitary force, which succeeded the Wagner Group. This assistance joins existing efforts by Rwandan forces and EU-backed operations in the region. Beyond security, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and digitalization.

President Chapo accepted an invitation from President Vladimir Putin to attend the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow this autumn. Additionally, Minister Lucas thanked Russia for providing scholarships and delivering 29 tons of emergency aid following floods in January. Russia further pledged continued humanitarian assistance for natural disasters through bilateral channels and the World Food Programme.