RWANDA has dismissed recent criticism from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over its football sponsorship deals, calling it an attempt to destabilise regional peace. The response follows remarks from DRC’s foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who urged Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris St Germain (PSG) to sever their ties with the ‘Visit Rwanda’ campaign.
DRC labels deals as ‘blood-stained’
Earlier this month, Kayikwamba Wagner criticised the sponsorship agreements, alleging they were linked to Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. She described them as ‘blood-stained’ and questioned the morality of global football clubs maintaining partnerships with Rwanda while violence persisted in the region.
The conflict has seen Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seize key territories in eastern Congo, marking one of the worst escalations in over a decade. The fighting has deep roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and ongoing disputes over mineral-rich territories in Congo.
Rwanda rejects accusations
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which oversees the country’s international sponsorships, rejected DRC’s claims. The board accused Congo of spreading misinformation and attempting to undermine Rwanda’s global partnerships through political pressure.
‘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,’ the statement read.
International condemnation and sanctions
DRC’s foreign minister doubled down on her accusations, claiming that Rwanda has deployed over 4,000 troops alongside M23 rebels. She also pointed to international condemnations, including from the United Nations, the United States, and other G7 nations.
On Thursday, the US took its strongest stance yet by imposing sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister for Regional Integration, alleging he played a central role in Rwanda’s support for M23 militants.
The UN has documented human rights violations linked to the conflict, including summary executions, attacks on displacement camps, and reports of sexual violence.
Football sponsorships under scrutiny
‘Visit Rwanda’ has been a prominent name in European football since 2018, when Arsenal signed a deal reportedly worth over £10 million per year. Bayern Munich entered a five-year partnership with Rwanda in 2023, while PSG has been part of the campaign since 2019.
Despite the controversy, none of the three clubs have publicly responded to the calls for termination of their deals.
Kayikwamba Wagner urged Rwanda’s global partners to reconsider their associations. ‘We encourage all of Rwanda’s international partners to think very carefully if Rwanda is a country that aligns with their values,’ she said.
As tensions between the two nations continue to rise, the sponsorship dispute highlights the broader geopolitical struggles at play in the Great Lakes region.
