The M23 rebels, with alleged support from Rwanda, captured the city of Goma in eastern DR Congo, which is rich in valuable natural resources.
As a result, according to the UN, 700,000 people were forced to flee their homes in 2024. It has been claimed that Rwanda, along with its support for the M23, is also benefiting economically from minerals smuggled into the country.
Rwanda has denied all allegations and stated that it is ensuring border security.
Former DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu called on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to review its partnership with “Visit Rwanda.” When making this call, Mulumbu pointed out that the people in his country are living in fear.
Over 3,000 people lost their lives due to the clashes in Goma, and various human rights violations have been reported. In addition, DR Congo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba, wrote a letter to PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, urging the club to end its “bloodstained” Visit Rwanda agreement. Similar letters were sent to Arsenal and Bayern Munich as well.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo defended the partnerships, claiming that they bring significant benefits to the country:
“Rwanda’s sports partnerships and the Visit Rwanda campaign bring so much joy to Rwandans along with jobs, more tourists, and revenue.”
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen announced that a delegation would be sent to Rwanda to conduct research, and that they are in contact with the German Foreign Ministry.
Mulumbu appreciated the efforts of DR Congo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and stated that it would be a significant step if PSG were to cancel the partnership:
“I want to thank the minister, because she did very big work. And all I know is that on a sponsorship, there is a financial part. We are going to do our best to inform [about] this deal and what’s behind it. I think it will be a big step if we can cancel this Visit Rwanda [partnership].”
Despite Bayern Munich taking such a step, PSG and Arsenal have not yet followed suit. Furthermore, PSG supporters have gathered 100,000 signatures in an online petition calling for the cancellation of the agreement, with 68,500 people already supporting it.
Mulumbu stated that he wanted to arrange a meeting with PSG President Al-Khelaifi to directly inform the club:
“I don’t want to put pressure on the club, because they are not the people who are doing it, but they need to be informed and then after that they will take their own decision. This is why we’re fighting and speaking up.”