London, (EFE).- Arsenal fans staged a protest on Tuesday against the club’s sponsorship deal with Rwanda due to the country’s alleged ties with the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which they accuse of killing “thousands of people.”
Under the name “Gunners for the Peace,” the fans placed a billboard outside the Emirates Stadium promoting “Visit Tottenham” instead of “Visit Rwanda”, the slogan of Rwandas country brand that currently appears on Arsenal’s shirts through the sponsorship, and called for the club to end the agreement, accusing Rwanda of “funding a militia that has killed thousands.”
“We don’t want our club to sell its soul to the highest bidder, and we don’t want to wear this ment on our shirts. We believe anything would be better than Visit Rwanda,” the group wrote in the ad.
Rwanda accused of ing the M23 rebel group
The March 23 Movement (M23) is a rebel group, operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Condo, accused of serious human rights violations, including killings and the forced displacement of more than seven million civilians.
Various United Nations reports and international organizations have accused the Rwandan government of providing military and financial to the M23, allegations that Kigali repeatedly denies.
This situation has fueled regional tensions and drawn international condemnation.
As part of the sponsorship deal, the slogan “Visit Rwanda” can be seen both at Emirates Stadium and on the players’ shirt sleeves.
In response, the group plans to distribute black armbands for fans to cover the Rwanda logo during matches.
“We want the club’s leadership to end this agreement by next season,” James Turner from “Gunners for Peace” told The Athletic.
“Now that we regularly play the Champions League, surely there is a line of sponsors ready to take Rwanda’s place. Ending this deal would send a message that some things are more important than money. We are also in with fans from Congo who refuse to wear the shirt until this sponsorship ends. This campaign is for them,” he added.
Arsenal’s agreement with Rwanda began in 2018 and, according to the club’s 2023-2024 financial report, generates around 13 million euros annually. EFE
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