End of the Arsenal–Visit Rwanda Agreement: A Decision Shadowed by Congo Conflict Allegations

The partnership between Arsenal and the “Visit Rwanda” tourism program will come to an end at the close of the current season and will not be renewed. The announcement, made on November 19 by the Rwandan agency in charge of promoting the country, comes as the collaboration had become the subject of intense debate in the United Kingdom, particularly due to allegations surrounding Rwanda’s role in the deadly conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite President Paul Kagame’s well-known admiration for the London club, the brand will disappear from the Gunners’ jerseys.

After eight years of cooperation, both parties claim the decision was mutual, although neither addressed the ongoing criticism linked to Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 armed group — accusations Kigali firmly denies. The Rwanda Development Board explained that the decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding partnerships in new regions, particularly the United States through a deal with the Los Angeles Rams, as well as in the Spanish-speaking world through a collaboration with Atlético Madrid.

Rwandan officials maintain that the partnership has achieved all its objectives, highlighting a significant increase in tourism revenues in 2024. Arsenal, for its part, expressed appreciation for Visit Rwanda’s commitment over the years.

It is worth recalling that the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madame Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, had recently undertaken extensive diplomatic, media, and administrative efforts urging clubs such as Arsenal and even Paris Saint-Germain to put an end to their partnerships with “Visit Rwanda.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo viewed these collaborations as a form of complacency, if not moral complicity, toward a state accused of supporting armed groups responsible for atrocities in eastern Congo. Through this firm yet diplomatically articulated position, Kinshasa sought to remind the international community that ethical responsibility must remain a guiding principle in any global, commercial, or sporting engagement.

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