Youssouf Mulumbu has called on PSG to reconsider its partnership with Visit Rwanda amidst the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, caused by conflict purportedly involving Rwandan-backed rebels. He emphasizes that the partnership contradicts PSG’s values and is working to raise awareness and gather support to end the sponsorship.
In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), former national captain Youssouf Mulumbu has urged Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to reassess its partnership with Visit Rwanda. The conflict, exacerbated by M23 rebels believed to be supported by Rwanda, has resulted in significant dislocation and suffering, with approximately 700,000 people displaced this year, according to the United Nations.
The violence surrounding Goma has caused severe casualties and numerous human rights violations. Mulumbu emphasized that the conflict is primarily financially motivated, not territorial or religious. He shared the plight of friends from Goma, recounting tales of fear and tragedy faced by civilians, particularly women and children, amidst the chaos.
A recent letter from Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, DR Congo’s foreign minister, has urged PSG to terminate what she described as a “blood-stained” partnership with Visit Rwanda, initiated in 2019. Similar concerns were raised to Arsenal and Bayern Munich regarding their ties with Rwanda’s tourism agency. Rwandan official Yolande Makolo countered that the Visit Rwanda campaign benefits the local population through job creation and increased tourism.
Bayern Munich has stated that they are actively monitoring the situation in Rwanda, while both PSG and Arsenal have yet to respond to inquiries about their agreements with Visit Rwanda. Mulumbu expressed gratitude towards the minister for her efforts and underscored that financial motivations should not overshadow ethical considerations in sponsorships.
Having started his career at PSG, where he learned values of unity and ethics, Mulumbu believes the club’s partnership with Visit Rwanda contradicts these principles. He is amplifying a petition begun by PSG supporters that aims to collect 100,000 signatures to prompt the club to reconsider this alliance, which has already garnered over 68,500 signatures. Mulumbu desires a meeting with PSG’s president to bring awareness to the situation in DRC and encourage informed decision-making regarding this partnership.
Former DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu seeks to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflict in his homeland, urging PSG to reconsider its partnership with Visit Rwanda. With significant public support behind his petition, he aims to encourage the club to align its values with its sponsorships and terminate relationships that contradict its commitment to ethical practices.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
