Arsenal ends Rwanda partnership

Partnership conclusion

Arsenal Football Club and the Rwandan Development Board have confirmed the end of their partnership, which spanned eight seasons. Initially, Visit Rwanda became Arsenal’s first-ever official sleeve sponsor, marking a significant collaboration between the club and the African nation.

Criticism over violence

Throughout its duration, the partnership drew significant criticism from fans. The tension arose primarily due to allegations about Rwanda’s involvement in violent conflicts in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This area, close to the Rwandan border, has seen continued upheaval, impacting many lives.

Conflict background

The M23 militia group, known to operate within the DRC, is reportedly receiving external support, including from Rwanda, in the form of weapons and resources. This has exacerbated an already unstable situation, resulting in numerous casualties and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Peace efforts

In recent developments, the DRC government reached a peace agreement with M23 in Qatar. This agreement aims to bring stability to the region and has been received positively by international bodies like the European Union.

Other partnerships

Visit Rwanda’s commitment to sports partnerships remains strong, with ongoing collaborations with top European clubs such as Paris-Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid. These partnerships continue to promote Rwanda as a premier tourism destination despite the challenges.