He made the disclosure on Wednesday 15th February 2023 after Congolese soldiers entered the no man’s land on the side of Rusizi District and shot Rwanda’s border post where Rwandan soldiers responded and repelled them.

After the incident, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) announced that FARDC forces involved in the provocation were estimated to be about one section (12 to 14 soldiers).

Speaking to RBA, Mukuralinda has said that the latest incident is a testament of ongoing provocations by DRC but assured that there is no war between both countries.

“There is no war because it is not Rwanda’s option. The country has clearly indicated this and the statement still stands. Rwanda believes that the problem will be solved through peaceful process,” he said.

“We don’t need a war but Rwanda will defend itself against attacks and fight when it is dragged into a war. When it comes to provocations, it is another issue. The latest incident is part of ongoing provocations,” added Mukuralinda.

He has also disclosed that DRC’s continued provocations to Rwanda signals lack of willingness to find a solution for insecurity in eastern part of the country.

“It reflects what we have been saying that Congo did not implement Luanda resolutions on its side […] if the country declined to do so and witnessed no changes in the situation, it attempts provocations,” said Mukuralinda.

As for the incident in Rusizi, he observed that DR Congo might announce the opposite that Rwandan soldiers entered the country’s territory.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda has said that the country does not opt for a war.