The Government of Rwanda has publicly condemned DR Congo’s attempts to undermine its international sports partnerships through misinformation and political pressure. In a statement issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the government emphasised that such efforts not only distort the truth but also jeopardise regional peace, stability, and economic cooperation. Rwanda has forged strong partnerships with global sports organizations, including Arsenal FC, FC Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) – an initiative of the American National Basketball Association (NBA). These collaborations are central to Rwanda’s strategy to drive economic growth, promote tourism, and enhance community development. Through these initiatives, Rwanda is positioning itself as a hub for international sporting events and tourism. The partnerships have played a crucial role in developing football and basketball, nurturing both local and regional talent, improving sports infrastructure, creating jobs, and boosting local tourism. DR Congo’s persistent efforts to sabotage these partnerships are not just ironic – they are deeply hypocritical. By attempting to discredit Rwanda’s involvement in global sports, the Kinshasa government disregards the unifying power of sports and its ability to drive meaningful societal change. History offers countless examples of how sports transcend borders and inspire millions. DR Congo itself has a legacy to draw from, starting with the late Dikembe Mutombo, a Congolese-American NBA star. Mutombo, who passed away last year, was more than a champion on the court. He was the NBA’s first global ambassador, using his influence to bring positive change to communities across Africa. Beyond DR Congo, football legend Didier Drogba played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast’s peace process, using his platform to help end the country’s civil war in 2005. These examples, and many more, demonstrate that sports can be a powerful force for unity and progress. By attempting to derail Rwanda’s sports partnerships, DR Congo is not only undermining initiatives that have brought tangible benefits to the region but also exposing its own failure to recognise the transformative potential of an industry it should be championing, rather than fighting against.
