Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on February 20, 2025 condemned recent actions by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing the DRC of undermining Rwanda’s partnerships with international sports organizations, including major teams like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Rwanda emphasized that these actions hinder progress in peace, security, and economic cooperation in the region and across Africa.
The statement from RDB reads: “Rwanda’s partnerships with international sports organizations, including Arsenal FC, Bayern Munich, PSG, and the Basketball Africa League (BAL), are crucial for our economic growth, tourism, and overall development.”
Rwanda highlighted how these partnerships extend beyond national borders, helping to create new opportunities for millions of Africans. These collaborations are essential for Africa’s development, not just in sports, but also in uniting people and boosting the economy.
RDB also acknowledged the significant impact of sports in promoting innovation and development, emphasizing Rwanda’s role as a growing hub for international sports and sports-based tourism.
The RDB added, “Through our collaborations with organizations like Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, and BAL, Rwanda continues to build itself as a center for international sports and sports tourism.”
These partnerships, which have helped to improve football and basketball, also bring attention to local talent, enhance domestic tourism, and support the development of sports infrastructure, creating new jobs along the way.
RDB also expressed that trying to politicize these partnerships would undermine the real benefits they bring to the economy and the well-being of the people in Africa.
The statement continued, stressing the importance of the “Visit Rwanda” campaign as the cornerstone of these partnerships. This initiative reinforces Rwanda’s commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development.
“Attempting to destroy this effort will not help solve the real issues facing the eastern DRC,” RDB said.
The board also reminded that security issues along Rwanda’s border with eastern DRC are deeply rooted in internal problems within the DRC, such as poor governance, ethnic division, and the inability to control armed militias operating in the region.
Rwanda pointed out that the M23 group, a rebel force fighting to protect the rights of Congolese Tutsis and other ethnic groups, was born out of years of persecution and ethnic violence. Rwanda also highlighted how the presence of the FDLR, a militia group linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, continues to threaten Rwanda’s security.
RDB condemned the DRC government for allowing the FDLR to operate freely and for fueling ethnic hatred against Rwandan-speaking Congolese.
“By failing to protect its own citizens, the DRC has made many vulnerable to violence based on their ethnicity,” RDB stated.
Rwanda also dismissed allegations that it is looting minerals from the DRC, calling them unfounded claims aimed at diverting attention from the DRC’s internal issues, such as corruption and mismanagement of its mining sector.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to finding a political solution to the challenges in eastern DRC, focusing on dialogue and regional cooperation.
Rwanda’s focus has been on maintaining security and promoting collaboration with neighboring countries, including DRC, to tackle violence and ethnic discrimination in the region.
The statement emphasized that Rwanda’s economic growth has been built on security, stability, and good governance, which has also made it the second-largest tourism destination and business hub in Africa.
“Rwanda’s vision for the future is one of peace and prosperity, and we aim to continue fostering productive partnerships with all our neighboring countries, including the DRC, to enhance regional development,” RDB concluded.
Rwanda strongly believes in the power of sports as a unifying force for Africa, with the ability to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for people across the continent.
The country continues to reject the DRC’s efforts to disrupt its international partnerships, calling such actions harmful to the region’s peace and security. Rwanda’s commitment remains focused on collaboration and dialogue to address the root causes of the region’s challenges.
