The Democratic Republic of Congo has called on European football clubs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Arsenal, and Bayern Munich to sever their sponsorship agreements with Rwanda, citing concerns over the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo.
In a letter addressed to PSG’s management, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Congolese foreign minister, questioned whether the club’s sponsorship deal with Rwanda could be linked to funds generated from minerals allegedly smuggled from DR Congo.
“Are you certain that the money from blood minerals is not financing your sponsorship contract?” the letter reads.
Minister Wagner's letter also raises concerns over international aid received by Rwanda, asking, “Are you sure that this money is not being diverted to finance your sponsorship contract?”
The letter comes amid renewed tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali following the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group last Monday.
The DR Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, an allegation Rwanda has consistently denied.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently condemned the M23 and its alleged Rwandan backers for their actions in eastern DR Congo.
“I hope Paris Saint-Germain will do the same,” 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. Rwanda has maintained that its sponsorship deals are strictly aimed at boosting tourism and are unrelated to the conflict in eastern DR Congo.
The Kinshasa government has been vowing to launch a crushing offensive against the M23 rebels and the latest twist in their offensive comes after they poured civilians into the streets, leading to chaotic scenes.
Several embassies, including Uganda's, were looted and set ablaze by the protesters on Tuesday, leading to widespread condemnation of the Tshisekedi government.
Football and Politics intertwined
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.
These deals, worth millions of dollars, place Rwanda’s branding on club jerseys and stadium advertising, promoting tourism and investment in the country.
However, Congolese officials argue that this money should be scrutinised.
Ms Wagner said: “The generous international aid that Rwanda receives from many countries constitutes a significant part of its economy."
Rwanda has vehemently rejected Kinshasa’s accusations, calling them baseless. Kigali insists that it does not support M23 and has, instead, advocated for regional dialogue to resolve the crisis.
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.
While clubs traditionally avoid involvement in political disputes, the pressure from human rights groups and Congolese officials could push them to reconsider their ties with Rwanda.
Football clubs have previously distanced themselves from controversial sponsors due to ethical concerns. For instance, Manchester United cut ties with Russian airline Aeroflot following the invasion of Ukraine.
