Foreign Minister Kayikwamba calls on European clubs to revoke their sponsorship deals with Rwanda

Military tensions continue to rise in eastern DRC, with M23 rebels and Rwandan forces gaining ground. In response, the Congolese government is increasing international pressure. Officials are urging football clubs like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich to end their partnerships with the “Visit Rwanda” campaign, which Kinshasa condemns as tainted by the violence in eastern Congo.

Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has formally requested that these prominent European clubs reconsider the ethics of their sponsorship deals with Rwanda. In a letter, she criticized Rwanda’s role in the ongoing conflict, highlighting that it has forced over 500,000 people to flee their homes this year. The letter argues that a regime involved in such atrocities shouldn’t benefit from a positive image via high-profile football sponsorships.

The minister’s message to Arsenal emphasized that Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict is undeniable, citing a UN report confirming the presence of 4,000 Rwandan troops in the DRC. The letter also described the dire situation in Goma, where many residents are trapped without adequate food, water, or security. It attributes this suffering, including widespread violence and looting, directly to the Rwandan regime.

Additionally, the letter questions the funding sources behind “Visit Rwanda,” suggesting they come from illegal mining in the DRC. A UN expert panel found that at least 150 tons of coltan had been smuggled into Rwanda, mixed with local output, and sold internationally.

According to the Congolese government, this illicit trade generates around $1 billion for Rwanda’s economy—money that could have supported the DRC’s development instead. They argue that these funds are being used to finance costly sponsorship deals with European football clubs.

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The DRC’s plea to these clubs comes shortly after British Foreign Minister David Lammy warned Rwandan President Paul Kagame about the risk of losing $1 billion in international aid. Kinshasa is calling on these football teams to investigate whether their sponsorship revenues come from funds redirected from conflict-related activities.

The Congolese government’s broader strategy against resource exploitation is also reflected in its legal action against Apple. Kinshasa accuses the company of using illegally mined minerals from the DRC in its products. The case claims these minerals were smuggled into Rwanda and “laundered” before being exported.

Congo’s legal representatives hope to secure economic and judicial restitution for the country. However, Apple denies these claims, stating that it has suspended its supply chain in Rwanda due to the ongoing conflict.