DR Congo Urges Termination of 'Visit Rwanda' Sponsorships Amid Escalating Conflict

 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called upon prominent football clubs—Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)—to end their sponsorship agreements with 'Visit Rwanda'.  This appeal arises amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have intensified their activities.

The Eastern region of the DRC has been marred by conflict, with the M23 rebel group seizing territories and causing widespread displacement.

 The United Nations reports that over 400,000 individuals have been forced from their homes this year due to the escalating violence.

 A group UN experts has asserted that the Rwandan army exercises "de facto control of M23 operations," implicating Rwanda in the ongoing unrest.

DRC's ForeigMinister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has reached out to the leadership of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and PSG, urging them to reconsider their 'Visit Rwanda' sponsorships.

 In her corredence, she questioned the morality of these partnerships, highlighting concerns that the sponsorship funds might be sourced from the illicit mining of minerals in conflict zones within the DRC.

 These minerals reportedly transported across the border and exported from Rwanda, potentially financing the ongoing conflict.

Minister Wagner emhapsized Rwanda's alleged involvement in the crisis, referencing a UN report indicating the presence of 4,000 Rwandan troops in the DRC. 

She stated, "It is time Arsenal ended its blood-stained sponsorship deals with this oppressor nation. If not for your own consciences, then the clubs should do it for the victims of Rwandan aggression.

The 'Visit Rwanda' campaign has established significant partnerships within European football:

• Arsenal: Initiate sponsorship deain 2018, featuring the 'Visit Rwanda' logo on players' sleeves.
• PSG: Entered into a tnership in 19, promoting 'Visit Rwanda' on various team kits and within the club's stadium.
• Bayern Munich: Announce five-year sponsorshipgreement with 'Visit Rwanda' in 2023, focusing on soccer development and tourism promotion.

These collaborations aim to boost and foster soccer development in Rwanda. However, they have faced criticism fhuman rights organizations and observers who argue that such deals may serve to distract from Rwanda's alleged involvement in regional conflicts and internal human rights issues.

The international community has expressedoncerns over Rwanda's role in the DRC conflict. The British government has cautioned Rwanbout potential repercussions concerning foreign aid, emphasizing the need for accountability. 

Human rights groups have also criticized thonsorship deals, suggesting that they may be attempts at "sportswashing" to improve Rwanda's global image amidst allegations of human rights abuses.As of now.

 Arsenal, , Bayern Munich, and 'Vis Rwanda' have not publicly responded to the DRC's appeal. The situation continues to develop, with stakehos closely monitoring the actions of the involved football clubs and the Rwandan government.

Source: Reuters

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