The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has requested Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and PSG to end their sponsorships with Visit Rwanda due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis precipitated by M23 rebels and alleged Rwandan military involvement. With over 400,000 displaced this year and concerns about the funding of sponsorships through illicit mining, DRC's Foreign Minister highlighted the moral implications of these deals. The letter states that Rwanda's culpability in the conflict is undeniable, suggesting that the sponsorship contributes to 'sportswashing' and urging football clubs to reconsider their partnerships for the sake of victims.
In her letter to Arsenal, Kayikwamba Wagner stated that Rwanda's culpability for the ongoing conflict has become incontrovertible after the UN reported that 4,000 Rwandan troops are active in the DRC.
Kayikwamba Wagner has written to the owners of Arsenal and PSG and to Bayern president Herbert Hainer to question the morality of the deals.
The Visit Rwanda campaign has successfully raised the east African country's profile but Rwanda's government has been accused of investing in sport to enhance its global image.
'It is time Arsenal ended its blood-stained sponsorship deals with this oppressor nation,' she wrote, urging clubs to act for the victims of Rwandan aggression.
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