Arsenal Football Club has been accused of snubbing DRC’s Foreign Minister regarding its sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda amid serious allegations of Rwanda’s military support for the M23 militia. The lack of response has led to calls for reconsideration of the relationship, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Arsenal Football Club faces criticism for allegedly snubbing a meeting with Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs during her recent visit to London. Wagner expressed concerns regarding the club’s sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda, given Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 militia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While Wagner sought dialogue, Arsenal reportedly failed to respond to her outreach, prompting accusations of insensitivity towards DRC’s concerns.
Wagner highlighted the alarming presence of Rwandan military personnel operating alongside M23, a claim supported by multiple UN experts. Despite the serious allegations, Rwanda continues to refute claims of its military incursions into the DRC. Wagner further indicated the club’s indifference toward a matter that significantly affects a vast fanbase in the Congo, representing millions.
In contrast, Bayern Munich, which has a similar sponsorship deal with Rwanda, took proactive measures by dispatching staff to assess the situation in Rwanda and engage with the German foreign ministry. Wagner described Arsenal’s inaction as an “outrageous insult” to the Congolese people and implored the club’s owners to reconsider their partnership with Visit Rwanda, which she termed “bloodstained.”
The Visit Rwanda sponsorship, valued at approximately £10 million annually, has been in place since 2021 and is overseen by the Rwanda Development Board, an agency of the Rwandan government. The situation has drawn attention due to recent escalations in violence, as the M23 advances southward, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands displaced this year.
International responses have been slow, but the European Parliament has recently called for a freeze on direct budget support for Rwanda, demanding an end to its ties with the M23. The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, previously warned that Rwanda’s actions jeopardize substantial international aid, although no funding has been retracted thus far.
Wagner’s meetings with UK officials reflect ongoing efforts to address the situation, underscoring the need for sanctions against Rwanda and decisive action against its military involvement in the DRC. She emphasized the urgent necessity for intervention to halt the violence and protect innocent lives in the region.
In addition, Paris St-Germain is also under pressure regarding its partnership with Visit Rwanda, with calls for reevaluation following similar sentiments in the DRC. With rising scrutiny on associations with Rwanda, even sectors like Formula One are being urged to reconsider partnerships that may compromise their reputations.
Arsenal’s partnership with Visit Rwanda began in 2018, and its advertising is prominent on team jerseys and at their home stadium. Historical player visits to Rwanda have been documented, although Arsenal has yet to respond to inquiries regarding their current stance on the sponsorship.
In summary, Arsenal Football Club’s decision to decline a meeting with the DRC’s Foreign Minister has drawn significant criticism amid serious allegations regarding Rwanda’s military actions. The lack of dialogue reflects a troubling disregard for the ongoing humanitarian crisis linked to its sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda. The response from the football community and international bodies underscores the growing urgency of accountability and the call for action in addressing these pressing issues.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
