The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is calling on top football clubs like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Bayern Munich to reconsider their sponsorship deals with Rwanda, as the conflict between the two African nations intensifies.
The DRC government and the M23 rebels, a group backed by Rwanda, have been embroiled in violent clashes over territory, resulting in tragic losses, including 13 South African peacekeepers this week alone.
Calls for Action from the DRC Government
DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has made it clear that she believes the football clubs should sever ties with Rwanda.
She specifically addressed Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich, urging them to cancel their “Visit Rwanda” partnerships.
Arsenal’s deal with Rwanda dates back to 2018, when they agreed to showcase “Visit Rwanda” on their kit sleeves for three years.
The deal was renewed in 2021 for an additional four years, with Rwanda investing nearly £40 million to boost its tourism industry through these partnerships.
In her statement, Wagner said, “It is time Arsenal ended its blood-stained sponsorship deals with this oppressor nation.”
She emphasized that the clubs should reconsider their agreements not only for their own conscience but also out of respect for the victims of the ongoing violence and Rwandan aggression.
Rwanda’s Deal With Other European Clubs
Arsenal isn’t the only European club benefiting from Rwanda’s sponsorship money.
Both PSG and Bayern Munich also have similar agreements in place with the Rwandan government.
Rwanda has managed to secure these high-profile deals to enhance its global tourism profile, but given the escalating violence, the DRC is calling for these sponsorships to end.
Wagner condemned the ongoing violence, citing the deaths and atrocities taking place in the region, saying that Rwanda is directly responsible for the suffering.
“Countless lives have been lost; rape, murder, and theft prevail,” she continued, urging the clubs to take a stand.
South Africa’s Controversial Sponsorship Proposal
This isn’t the first time a country’s government has faced backlash for sponsoring football clubs in exchange for tourism exposure.
In South Africa, a similar proposal from SA Tourism to sponsor Tottenham Hotspur was met with public outrage.
The South African government planned to invest nearly R1 billion over three years to sponsor the Premier League club, with the promise of media exposure and other perks for the local tourism sector.
However, after a public outcry, the deal was scrapped, and South Africa’s Minister of Tourism labeled the arrangement as “invalid and unlawful.”
Should Arsenal End Its Sponsorship Deal With Rwanda?
With tensions rising over the violence in the DRC, the question remains whether Arsenal and the other clubs will heed the calls from the DRC government and sever their ties with Rwanda.
As the situation continues to escalate, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the implications of these sponsorship deals, and many are questioning whether they can be justified in the current climate.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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