
Faith Nyasuguta
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called on Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to cut ties with Rwanda, condemning their sponsorship deals as “blood-stained” amid ongoing violence in eastern Congo.
DRC’s Concerns
The appeal comes as conflict between the M23 rebel group and Congolese forces escalates, displacing hundreds of thousands. The United Nations has reported grave human rights violations, including summary executions, bombings of displacement camps, and widespread sexual violence.
Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, strongly criticized Rwanda’s sponsorship agreements, arguing that the country, accused of backing M23 rebels, is funding its war efforts through these lucrative football deals.

She specifically addressed Arsenal’s owners, Stan and Josh Kroenke, urging them to reconsider their “Visit Rwanda” partnership. “Thousands are currently trapped in the city of Goma with limited access to food, water, and security. Countless lives have been lost; rape, murder, and theft prevail. Your sponsor is directly responsible for this misery,” Wagner wrote in her statement.
Mounting Casualties and Displacement
According to the DRC Ministry of Health, hospital morgues in Goma are overwhelmed with nearly 800 bodies following the M23 rebel offensive. The government claims that 500,000 people have been displaced and that around 4,000 Rwandan troops are operating in eastern DRC alongside M23 fighters.
Kinshasa has long accused Kigali of supporting M23, a rebel group that has taken control of vast territories in the mineral-rich region, home to gold, coltan, and tin. Rwanda denies the allegations, but tensions between the two nations continue to rise.
Rwanda’s Football Sponsorships
Rwanda’s government has secured high-profile sponsorships with Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich, aiming to boost tourism and international partnerships.

The country signed a £10 million-per-year ($12.5 million) deal with Arsenal in 2018, followed by a PSG agreement in 2019. In 2023, the Rwanda Development Board expanded its influence with a five-year deal with Bayern Munich, which includes plans for a football academy in Rwanda.
Despite these deals, DRC insists that Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict makes these partnerships morally questionable, urging the clubs to reconsider their associations. As violence intensifies, pressure is mounting on European football giants to respond to Congo’s plea and reassess their ties with Rwanda.
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