Despite sanctions imposed on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) earlier this year, the United States has given TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil special authorization to continue working with Rwandan troops deployed in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.
According to Africa Intelligence, the waiver was issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in early April 2026. It allows the two energy giants to keep relying on RDF for security around their multi‑billion‑dollar gas projects:
Mozambique LNG (TotalEnergies)
Rovuma LNG (ExxonMobil)
RDF has been crucial in stabilizing Cabo Delgado since July 2021, where local forces remain under‑equipped to counter insurgents linked to the Islamic State.
Both companies insisted they could not resume operations without RDF protection.
ExxonMobil reportedly lobbied heavily, using former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Walter Kansteiner, now overseeing Exxon’s Africa operations, to secure the waiver.
Cabo Delgado hosts some of Africa’s largest natural gas reserves, making it a global energy hotspot.
RDF’s presence ensures construction continues at Afungi LNG facilities, which ExxonMobil requested be protected until completion.
In March 2026, Rwanda had warned it might withdraw troops if Western partners stopped funding the mission following U.S. sanctions.
Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe recently confirmed Rwanda will not withdraw its forces, since Mozambique’s government agreed to continue supporting RDF operations financially.
