President Ndayishimiye recently addressed the public during a prayer session, suggesting that the ethnic conflicts in Burundi were caused by Rwandans who fled there. He also linked the issues of ethnic identity and conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwandans.

These comments caught many by surprise, especially since President Paul Kagame had recently hinted that the relationship between the two countries was on the mend.

In an interview with B&B Kigali FM, Mukuralinda emphasized that, although Ndayishimiye’s statements are concerning, they need to be carefully analyzed and understood.

He explained that such remarks should not interfere with the ongoing dialogue aimed at strengthening relations, pointing out that President Kagame had refrained from commenting on the bilateral relationship because of the talks.

Mukuralinda added that Ndayishimiye’s words should be carefully considered and analyzed, particularly in light of the broader goal of reconciling Rwandans and Burundians.

"We were told that there are ongoing talks, and Rwandans are happy about them. I believe Burundians are also pleased, because good relations between our two nations mean that the people live in harmony, and that’s all anyone wants. So, when such words are spoken, one must pause, analyze them carefully, and consider the context in which they were said, who they were directed at, and the possible reasons behind them," he said.

"One could analyze and ask, was there really an issue in Rwanda in 1959 that caused people to flee to Burundi? Did it have any lasting effects? Did Rwandans flee to Congo in 1994, , and did that have consequences? Upon analysis, it becomes clear that the root cause of the genocide was the ideology of hatred, where you would carry that ideology with you, wherever you went and encounter the same ethnic divisions—Hutus, Tutsis, and Twa—just as they existed in Rwanda. And did carrying that ideology have an impact or not?" Mukuralinda explained.

Mukuralinda made it clear that Rwanda would not hastily respond to Ndayishimiye’s statements, as this could lead to unnecessary verbal clashes.

"If one jumps into such conversations prematurely, it would only lead to unnecessary arguments, and that’s not needed. Instead, we should reflect on it and think about it carefully. If a response is necessary, it can be addressed during the talks. You can ask, ‘Why was it said? Was it necessary to say it at this stage when we are engaged in dialogue?’"

He stressed that if Rwanda feels it is necessary, they will ask Ndayishimiye about his comments through the diplomatic channels already established.

"You could ask, ’Is it necessary to bring this up now, while we are in discussions? If you wanted to say something, why didn’t you do so during the talks? " he wondered.

Mukuralinda affirmed that the primary goal of these discussions is the mutual benefit of the people in both countries.

"The aim is the well-being of the people—Rwandans and Burundians alike. Those engaged in the talks must prioritize the common good, not their personal interests. The leaders are there for the benefit of their people," he said.

Mukuralinda concluded, "You cannot simply halt talks because of a single individual or a statement. We know how much effort has been invested to bring this dialogue back to life."

While acknowledging that some comments may seem provocative, he asserted that it would be more productive to address such issues within the framework of the ongoing discussions, to seek understanding and find joint solutions.

The Deputy Spokesperson for the Rwandan Government, Alain Mukuralinda has explained that Burundian President Ndayishimiye’s words should be carefully considered and analyzed, particularly in light of the broader goal of reconciling Rwandans and Burundians.