In a statement released by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Rwanda rejected what it described as a campaign of misinformation aimed at undermining the country's economic collaborations and international reputation.
The Congolese government has, in recent weeks, appealed to global sports clubs, including Arsenal FC, FC Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, to terminate sponsorship agreements with Rwanda, alleging that the country is backing M23 rebels to fuel instability in eastern Congo.
In addition, DRC's Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has written to Formula 1 (F1) leadership, calling on the organization to halt discussions about hosting a Grand Prix in Rwanda.
Rwanda has dismissed the claims, stressing the positive socio-economic impact of its partnerships with major sports organizations. Through collaborations such as the 'Visit Rwanda' initiative, the country has successfully boosted tourism, developed sports infrastructure, and promoted community engagement in international sporting events.
'Sports has the power to unite communities and drive meaningful change,' the RDB statement read. 'Attempting to politicize these partnerships is a misguided approach that ignores the significant socio-economic benefits they provide to Rwanda and the broader region.'
Since its launch in 2018, the Visit Rwanda campaign has elevated the country's global presence, leading to increased tourism and foreign investment. The initiative has been credited with making Rwanda the second most popular destination for business events in Africa.
Rwanda attributed the instability in the eastern DRC to deep-rooted governance failures and the proliferation of illegal armed groups in the region.
RDB highlighted that the M23 rebellion in eastern Congo is driven by grievances among Congolese Rwandophones over security and ethnic persecution, which has resulted in more than 100,000 victims seeking refuge in Rwanda.
The agency, mandated to accelerate Rwanda's economic development by enabling private sector growth, also pointed to the continued threat posed by the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
'The DRC government's failure to protect its people has left them vulnerable to violence and exploitation,' the statement noted.
"The leadership of the DRC 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."
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability through diplomatic engagement. The government stated that it remains invested in African-led mediation efforts and believes in a political resolution to the eastern DRC crisis.
"Rwanda is committed to a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC. This conflict requires a political settlement that addresses the root causes, including violent ethnic extremism, illegal armed groups, and the safe return of refugees," the statement added.
"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."
Additionally, Rwanda refuted allegations that it exploits minerals from the DRC, calling such claims a deflection from the corruption and mismanagement within Congo's mining sector.
"The allegations that Rwanda is exploiting minerals in the DRC are unfounded and a distraction from the DRC's own mismanagement of its mining sector, including pervasive corruption, weak regulatory enforcement, and political instability."
Earlier this month, President Paul Kagame also dismissed the Congolese appeal to sports organizations, terming it a'wasted effort'.
Speaking during an interview with CNN, President Kagame said the Congolese government's focus should be on managing internal issues and solving the country's political problems.
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