PSG fans are petitioning against the club’s sponsorship deal with the Rwanda Development Board amid allegations of Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict. The petition has gained significant traction, urging ethical reconsideration as humanitarian crises escalate. Rwanda’s ongoing sports sponsorships are criticized as “sportswashing,” prompting debates on international responsibilities of football clubs.
Recent events in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have spotlighted sponsorship ties between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and prominent European clubs such as Bayern Munich and Arsenal. These clubs have performed well in the Champions League, advancing to the quarter-finals while displaying the “Visit Rwanda” logo, which has raised concerns over Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict.
While PSG triumphed against Liverpool, and Bayern and Arsenal secured convincing victories in their respective matches, the association with the RDB is criticized due to allegations of Rwandan military support for the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC. Human rights organizations charge that Rwanda’s involvement exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, despite Kigali denying such claims, asserting their actions are defensive against hostile forces.
In light of ongoing violence, campaigners, including PSG fan Jordan Madiande, are urging these clubs to terminate their contracts with RDB. A petition launched in January has garnered 73,000 signatures, demanding PSG dissociate from a sponsor associated with human rights violations. Madiande emphasizes the importance of PSG as a global entity promoting positive values and not overlooking geopolitical issues.
RDB and the affected football clubs have not publicly addressed the petition or the concerns raised by DRC officials, who argue that current sponsorship agreements aid in perpetuating the conflict. At least 7,000 casualties and over 600,000 displacements have been reported due to ongoing fighting, making the situation pressing.
The RDB’s promotional efforts extend beyond these sponsorships, positioning Rwanda as a burgeoning sports hub. The country is preparing for an F1 Grand Prix bid and hosting the world cycling championships in September. However, critics assert that such initiatives serve as a means of “sportswashing,” diverting attention from Rwanda’s domestic issues.
Madiande expresses hope for change in PSG’s sponsorship direction, noting that the club’s values should align with a commitment to social responsibility. As PSG prepares for a key Ligue 1 match against rivals Marseille, he reflects on his long-standing support for the club, stressing the need for reassessment of their sponsorship choices amidst ethical concerns.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has shed light on the controversial sponsorships between major European football clubs and Rwanda. The humanitarian implications of such associations are raising ethical questions about the responsibilities of sports organizations in political matters. Campaigners are actively urging a re-evaluation of these ties, which could serve both to address human rights concerns and protect the integrity of the sponsoring clubs.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
