In an interview that was published on November 16, 2023, Tshisekedi stated that war would be the solution to the issues since the International Community had refused to impose sanctions on Rwanda, which he believed was the root of the instability in the Congo.
He explained to the reporters: “We are saying that after many times we have asked the international community to take sanctions against Rwanda, so we will protect our own security, we will use our means to defend ourselves, to protect our people.”
When the journalist inquired whether weapons would be used, Tshisekedi responded without hesitation, “So what other methods do you think we can use that are not weapons?”
Alain Mukuralinda, Rwanda Government Deputy Spokesperson,used proverbs from Kinyarwanda, such as “The orphan listens from the noise” and “If you hit a child, don’t tell him to remember to cry.”
He said, “If the country’s president goes there and claims that they have reported Rwanda,and they have informed the international community, and they are refusing to impose sanctions, he claims that their helicopters, now that they are ready”.
They asked, “We heard you are going to bring drones,” President said ”you have information, but you misunderstood,they are there already” When they asked if they can shoot, he responded that they can shoot ofcourse”.
The president of DRC added that the new warplanes are there, the mercenaries are there, they are training the Congolese army but they don’t fight
Mukuralinda continued by quoting Tshisekedi as saying that after all of that, they must defend themselves before, during, and after the coming presidential elections.
Mukuralinda declared, “That it why i used these proverbs because to adressed to whom it may concern.” There is no reason why the Rwandan Army should not remain vigilant.”
Tshisekedi stated in that interview that his nation is enticing to thousands of mercenaries who could aid his army and that he also has fighters from the Wazalendo group who are carrying on the fight.
He declared: “FARDC is supporting them because what they doing is patriotic. I don’t conceal it because what they’re doing is honorable and patriotic combat for their country.”
The FDLR is one of the armed groups that make up Wazalendo, a coalition that has committed to fighting alongside the government against M23.
Via social media,Mukuralinda explained that Rwanda cannot see all of this and listen to Tshisekedi’s words and stay acting like nothing is going on but must stay alert instead.
He made it clear that peace is Rwandan top priority and that war is not what he wants.
He declared, “Rwanda would be prepared if there is war or there is not. Rwanda prioritizes supporting the RDC through the dialogue process and is prepared to follow the path of peace if solving the issue at the regional level is still DRC’s goal.”
“Rwanda will never make the slightest mistake, be distracted at all, to stop protecting the security and sovereignty of the country’s borders.”
