Russia has offered to help Mozambique combat the Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado, positioning itself around one of Africa’s most strategically important energy regions as the country races to revive tens of billions of dollars in liquefied natural gas (LNG) investments.
During a visit to Maputo on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow was ready to assist Mozambique in eliminating the “terrorist threat” in the country’s north should the government request such support.
“Russia is prepared to respond to a request from our Mozambican friends regarding the support we can provide in eliminating the terrorist threat,” Lavrov said, according to Russian state media.
While the offer does not immediately change Mozambique’s existing security arrangements, it signals Russia’s ambition to deepen its footprint in a country that could soon become one of the world’s fastest-growing LNG exporters.
The visit also saw Lavrov and President Daniel Chapo discuss trade, economic cooperation, Mozambique’s modernisation plans and preparations for the next Russia-Mozambique Intergovernmental Commission, reflecting Moscow’s broader effort to strengthen political and economic ties across Africa.
