LDF’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Sakeng Lekola says although the Rwandan army has recovered some of the provinces that had been captured by rebels in Mozambique, Lesotho’s army will remain in that war-torn southern African country for a while.

He said it is too early to predict as to how long the LDF will be in that country given that the Rwandans’ was not a total defeat of the rebel forces.

“LDF has a minimum stay period of three months, which is subject to extension, depending on the situation on the ground,” Captain Lekola said.
The Peace Enforcement mission duration he said, depends on what happens on the ground, adding that thereafter, a Peace-Keeping mission will follow.  

“I cannot say how long the Peace-Keeping mission will last but its minimum duration is six months,” he said.

LDF on Sunday sent a Contingent Advanced Team of 12 soldiers including the Contingent Commander to Cabo Gelgado, Mozambique.

Captain Lekola said the team left behind other 113 members so that they would prepare for the main deployment of the team.

The remaining soldiers are expected to leave once Angola has provided the airlift for the military equipment that will be used in Mozambique.

Last month Rwanda sent 1,000 soldiers to Mozambique to fight the militants. On Sunday Rwandan and Mozambican troops reportedly recaptured the rebels' stronghold of Mocímboa da Praia.