The association between major football clubs and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is under scrutiny due to Rwanda’s involvement with the M23 group in the DRC. Fans and activists are demanding clubs sever ties, citing humanitarian concerns. The RDB’s efforts in sports sponsorship have raised questions about political motivations and ethics in sports, particularly amidst ongoing conflict in the DRC.
Recent events in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have drawn attention to the sponsorship agreements between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and major European football clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Bayern Munich, and Arsenal. All three clubs have successfully advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, thereby increasing the visibility of the RDB’s “Visit Rwanda” logo in high-profile matches. PSG secured their place by defeating Liverpool, while Bayern performed strongly against Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal triumphed over PSV Eindhoven.
Amidst these sporting achievements, the clubs’ connections with the RDB are facing heightened criticism due to allegations surrounding Rwanda’s military support for the M23 rebel group in the DRC, particularly concerning the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. Human rights activists and the United Nations have reported evidence indicating that Rwanda is backing the M23 militants, a claim denied by the Rwandan authorities, who assert that their forces are acting solely in self-defense.
As Angolan officials work towards establishing peace negotiations between the DRC and M23 leaders, European activists are advocating for football clubs to dissociate from partnerships they deem tarnished. Jordan Madiande, who initiated a petition in January calling for an end to PSG’s sponsorship deal with the RDB, emphasized the need for the club to uphold positive values. He remarked, “Ideally, the contract should end immediately.”
Arsenal’s partnership with the RDB commenced in May 2018, showcasing the logo on team jerseys and stadium advertising. In contrast, PSG’s initial contract began in 2019, with a renewal in May 2023 that lasts until the end of the 2025 season, prominently displaying “Visit Rwanda” on training kits. Madiande, whose family hails from the DRC, expressed concerns that PSG’s continued association with the RDB might imply a disregard for the humanitarian crises unfolding in the region.
Although PSG has yet to respond to Madiande’s petition, which currently boasts 73,000 signatures, the DRC’s foreign affairs minister has urged PSG and their partners to assess their sponsorship ties. “At a time when Rwanda is waging war, Rwanda’s guilt in this conflict has become indisputable,” stated minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Bayern Munich continue their associations without apparent changes despite these mounting political pressures.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is alarming, with reports indicating over 7,000 fatalities and around 600,000 displacements related to the ongoing conflict. Madiande noted that awareness regarding the situation has grown, as evidenced by recent events in Bukavu and various UN reports. The financial aspect of the RDB’s sponsorship, estimated at 15 million euros annually, raises questions about Rwanda’s pervasive influence in the realm of sports.
Rwanda is positioning itself as a significant player in international sports, campaigning to host the Formula 1 grand prix and the world cycling championships. Critics suggest this could be indicative of sportswashing tactics employed by President Paul Kagame’s administration. Michela Wrong, a noted author on the subject, articulated that this strategy effectively communicates a favorable narrative to a young, less-informed audience, thereby circumventing serious discussions about Rwanda’s political climate.
In response to inquiries, the RDB claimed that misinformation was endangering its international collaborations, asserting that their partnerships inspire hope across Africa. As a devoted PSG supporter, Madiande indicated that he might take further action depending on the club’s stance regarding the RDB contract renewal. Expressing his commitment, he stated, “If their approach doesn’t change, I’ll have to ask myself lots of questions.”
PSG is set to host fierce rivals Marseille soon. A victory in this encounter would substantially bolster PSG’s lead in Ligue 1. Madiande expressed his loyalty to PSG throughout their struggles and successes, urging the club to reconsider their sponsorship affiliations in pursuit of more ethical partnerships.
The ongoing tension between sports sponsorship and human rights concerns emphasizes the complexities faced by prominent football clubs like PSG, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. As scrutiny over their partnerships with the RDB intensifies amid troubling events in the DRC, fans and human rights advocates are calling for change. The question remains whether these associations can withstand the pressures of geopolitics and ethics, reflecting broader themes concerning corporate responsibility and accountability in the realm of sports.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
