The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called on Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to terminate their sponsorship deals with Visit Rwanda, citing Rwanda’s alleged role in the escalating violence in eastern DRC.
The appeal follows the capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, by the M23 rebel group, which has long been linked to Rwanda. According to the DRC health ministry, nearly 800 bodies have been found in hospital morgues in the aftermath of the offensive, which has devastated communities in a region rich in gold, coltan, and tin mines.
DRC’s foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, wrote to the three clubs, condemning their continued association with Visit Rwanda.
“Thousands are currently trapped in the city of Goma with restricted access to food, water, and security,” Wagner said in her letter.
“Countless lives have been lost; rape, murder and theft prevail. Your sponsor is directly responsible for this misery. If not for your own consciences, then the clubs should do it (end their sponsorship agreement) for the victims of Rwandan aggression.”
Arsenal’s Visit Rwanda sponsorship began in 2018, reportedly worth over £10 million per year, while Bayern Munich signed a five-year deal in 2023. PSG has been a partner of Visit Rwanda since 2019.
While the campaign has successfully promoted Rwanda as a tourist destination, critics argue it is an attempt at sportswashing—using football sponsorships to improve Rwanda’s global image despite allegations of human rights violations.
Wagner further accused Rwanda-backed forces of plundering millions of tons of minerals from DRC, transporting them across the border, and selling them on the global market. The growing international pressure raises serious ethical concerns for the clubs involved, as the conflict continues to escalate.
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