The Government of Rwanda has said that it rejects recent attempts by DR Congo to undermine its international partnerships through misinformation and political pressure, stating that they are not only misrepresenting the truth but also threaten the foundations of regional peace, stability, and economic cooperation. This is according to a public notice issued on February 20, by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) – a government body mandated to accelerate Rwanda's economic development. https://x.com/RDBrwanda/status/1892479237174550990 “Rwanda’s partnerships with global sports organisations, including Arsenal FC, FC Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, or the Basketball Africa League (BAL), have been cornerstones of our strategy to foster economic growth, promote tourism, and strengthen community development,” the public notice reads in part. “These collaborations transcend borders, inspiring millions across Africa and contributing to the continent’s socioeconomic progress.” ALSO READ: Kagame: Rwanda gains from partnership with Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich The response follows DR Congo government’s appeal to sports entities to halt partnership with Rwanda over the former’s allegations that Rwanda backs M23 rebel group. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of looting its minerals and violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Rwanda denies those allegations. Sports as a force for development, unity Rwanda says it believes in the transformative power of sports to inspire, unite, and drive development across Africa. Through strategic partnerships with global sports organisations like Arsenal FC, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), FC Bayern Munich, or the Basketball Africa League, the country is working to become a hub for international sporting events and tourism. ALSO READ: Rwanda sets sights on sports tourism ‘to spur economic growth’ The partnerships, it observed, have supported the growth of football and basketball, helped nurture regional and local talent, as well as promoted local tourism, and sports infrastructure development. Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB, maintained that Rwanda firmly rejects attempts to politicise the country’s partnerships with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, and the NBA/BAL. “These partnerships are elevating Rwanda and Africa in the global sports industry, boosting tourism, enhancing local talent, and creating jobs,” he said in a post on X. ALSO READ: Rwanda becomes Arsenal’s first tourism partner RDB said that sports have the power to unite communities, and drive meaningful change. In particular, the ‘Visit Rwanda’ initiative, at the heart of these collaborations, showcases Rwanda’s commitment to peace, stability, and inclusive growth. “Undermining this vision does nothing to address the real challenges facing the eastern DRC,” the public notice stated. Rwanda’s right to protect itself According to the government, the conflict along Rwanda’s border with eastern DR Congo stems from deep-rooted internal challenges within the DR Congo, particularly poor governance, ethnic discrimination, and the unchecked presence of multiple illegal armed groups. It stressed that the M23 rebellion is fueled by demands from Congolese citizens for security and protection for their communities, following decades of systemic persecution. The DRC government’s failure to protect its people has left them exposed to ethnic violence and exploitation. In particular, the FDLR militia, responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, is directly backed by the DR Congo’s government and continues to pose a significant threat to Rwanda’s security, it added. “The leadership of the DR Congo has escalated the situation by promoting hate speech against Congolese Rwandophones, called for attacks on Rwanda, and advocated for the overthrow of its government, which further undermines regional stability,” the statement reads in part. The situation in eastern Congo, it added, has resulted in a significant refugee crisis, with Rwanda sheltering over 100,000 Congolese Tutsis fleeing persecution. Despite these provocations, Rwanda said it has exercised great restraint, focusing on political dialogue and regional stability while safeguarding the security of its borders and the safety of Rwandans. Commitment to dialogue, peace Rwanda remains committed to peace and stability in the region, the public notice stated, adding that “our focus is on securing our borders and fostering cooperation to address the challenges of armed ethnic extremism in eastern DR Congo, which we view as an existential threat and a matter of national security.” The allegations that Rwanda is exploiting minerals in the DR Congo are unfounded and a distraction from the latter’s own mismanagement of its mining sector, including pervasive corruption, weak regulatory enforcement, and political instability, it held. Rwanda is committed to a political solution to the crisis in eastern DR Congo, it pointed out, indicating that the conflict requires a political settlement that addresses the root causes, including violent ethnic extremism, illegal armed groups, and the safe return of refugees. “Rwanda continues to support the African-led mediation process as the only credible pathway to peace. We also advocate for the protection of the rights of minority groups in Eastern DRC, and the cessation of hostilities,” it stated.
