Responding to developments in its east, the Democratic Republic of Congo has called on European football clubs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Arsenal, and Bayern Munich to cut their sponsorship agreements with Rwanda.
Rwanda’s association with major European clubs is well-established through its ‘Visit Rwanda’ tourism campaign.
The Rwandan government sponsors PSG in France’s Ligue 1, Arsenal in the English Premier League, and Bayern Munich in Germany’s Bundesliga.
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These deals, worth millions of dollars, place Rwanda’s branding on club jerseys and stadium advertising, promoting tourism and investment in the country.
In the letter seen, addressed to PSG’s management, the Congolese foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner raised several queries regarding the nature of finances.
First she questioned the source of the club’s sponsorship earnings, writing, “Are you certain that the money from blood minerals is not financing your sponsorship contract?”
Her letter then raised concerns over international aid received by Rwanda, asking, “The generous international aid that Rwanda receives from many countries constitutes a significant part of its economy. Are you sure that this money is not being diverted to finance your sponsorship contract?”
The letter came after the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group, whom the DRC related to Rwanda.
“I hope Paris Saint-Germain will do the sane,” Ms. Wagner’s letter states.
PSG has been in a sponsorship deal with Rwanda since 2019 under the “Visit Rwanda” tourism campaign. Arsenal and Bayern Munich also have similar agreements with Rwanda’s government, promoting the country as a tourist destination on their kits and stadiums.
The clubs have not publicly responded to the concerns raised by the DRC.
The Rwandan government maintains that its sponsorship deals with top football clubs are purely economic and aimed at boosting tourism, with no connection to military activities.
However, Congolese officials argue that the financing should be scrutinized
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