By: Kwame Bediako
Rwanda has responded to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) critics of their sports sponsorships deals with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris St Germain, describing it as a threat of regional instability.
The criticism comes from DRC’s foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, who recently called on Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain, to sever their ties with Rwanda’s tourism promotion campaign, “Visit Rwanda.” Wagner described the deals as “blood-stained” and questioned the morality of such partnerships while violence rages in Eastern Congo.
The source of the conflict dates back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, which spilled over into the DRC, leading to decades of fighting between Rwanda-backed forces and Congolese armed groups. Now, Rwanda is accusing the DRC of using political pressure to undermine its international partnerships.
Rwanda Development Board, which oversees the deals, issued a statement on Thursday, February 20, 2025 stating, “These efforts not only misrepresent the truth but also threaten the foundations of regional peace, stability, and economic cooperation that we have worked tirelessly to build.”
In addition to the sponsorship deals, the conflict has taken a deadly turn, with M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, seizing key towns in the DRC. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s government minister for regional integration on Thursday, February 20, 2025 accusing him of being “central” to Rwanda’s support for the M23.
The United Nations has also condemned the violence, reporting human rights violations, including summary executions, sexual violence, and attacks on displacement camps.
Rwanda, however, claims it is defending itself, accusing the DRC of aligning with ethnic Hutu-led militias that threaten Rwandan Tutsis in Congo.
Rwanda’s envoy emphasized its commitment to regional stability and criticized the DRC for misrepresenting the truth.
Meanwhile, Congolese officials have reiterated their demands for Rwanda to halt its support for the M23, signaling a stand-off that could further escalate the region’s turmoil.
The three European clubs, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris St Germain have so far declined to comment on the controversy. Their involvement with Rwanda raises questions about the influence of sports diplomacy in a region mired in conflict.
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