The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, has called on top European football clubs Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to terminate their sponsorship deals with “Visit Rwanda.” The appeal comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, fueled by ongoing violence involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
According to the DR Congo health ministry, nearly 800 bodies have been reported in hospital morgues around Goma following a recent offensive by M23 rebels aimed at seizing control of the region. Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, is a hub for lucrative mineral resources such as gold, coltan, and tin. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom have sought refuge in Goma, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In a strongly worded statement, Minister Wagner described the sponsorship deals as “blood-stained” and urged the clubs to reconsider their partnerships with “Visit Rwanda.” She emphasized that the funds supporting these agreements could be indirectly linked to the violence destabilizing the region.
“Visit Rwanda” has been a prominent sponsor of Arsenal since 2018, with the latest deal reportedly valued at over £10 million ($12.39 million) annually. Bayern Munich entered a five-year partnership with Rwanda in 2023, focusing on football development and tourism promotion, while PSG has been sponsored by “Visit Rwanda” since 2019.
The escalating conflict has drawn international attention, with British Foreign Minister David Lammy highlighting the issue in parliament. Lammy noted that Rwanda receives over $1 billion in global aid annually, including approximately £32 million in bilateral assistance from the UK. However, he warned that such support is “under threat when you attack your neighbors.”
As of now, Reuters has reached out to Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, and “Visit Rwanda” for comment, but no responses have been issued.
The call to end the sponsorship deals underscores the growing pressure on Rwanda to address its alleged involvement in the conflict and the broader implications of international partnerships in conflict zones.
