Youssouf Mulumbu has called on PSG to reassess its partnership with Visit Rwanda, amid a humanitarian crisis in DR Congo related to financial conflicts. He emphasizes the suffering of civilians, urging for increased awareness and action regarding the club’s sponsorship, which he deems ethically conflicted.
Youssouf Mulumbu, the former captain of DR Congo, has urged Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to reconsider its partnership with Visit Rwanda. He aims to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in DR Congo due to the conflict involving M23 rebels who are allegedly supported by Rwanda, leading to widespread displacement and suffering among the populace. Mulumbu emphasized that this crisis is financially driven rather than territorial or religious, as many are living in fear amid brutal circumstances, including loss of family and severe human rights violations.
The M23’s control over Goma and its surrounding resource-rich areas has exacerbated the plight of civilians, with about 700,000 people newly displaced this year, as reported by the United Nations. In the face of accusations from UN experts claiming Rwanda benefits from mining operations tied to these conflicts, the Rwandan government has denied any involvement beyond securing its borders. The severe military conflict has resulted in significant casualties and human rights abuses on both sides during its ongoing struggle.
Mulumbu, who recently visited Goma, recounted the personal impact of the violence, sharing that a friend lost his wife amidst the chaos. He reflected on the deep emotional toll, expressing feelings of helplessness as he observes the persistent turmoil in his homeland. For the past three decades, the people of Congo have yearned for peace amid ongoing warfare primarily driven by financial motives.
Recently, DR Congo’s foreign minister urged PSG to terminate its ”blood stained” agreement with Visit Rwanda, a partnership established in 2019. Similar appeals have been directed at Arsenal and Bayern Munich, with regard to the ethical implications of their association with Rwanda’s tourism board. Despite these concerns, Rwandan officials highlight the positive outcomes of sports partnerships in generating tourism and jobs for their citizens.
Bayern Munich is reportedly assessing the situation with on-ground visits and communications with their foreign ministry to understand the local conditions better. Youssouf Mulumbu has publicly appreciated the efforts of government officials and insists that sponsorship deals should not overlook the socio-political context of the regions they arise from. He emphasizes the need to raise awareness about the dynamics behind the partnership with Visit Rwanda.
Having begun his career at PSG, Mulumbu is now supporting a petition initiated by fans seeking to end this partnership. He wishes to facilitate a discussion with PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, to address concerns over the ethical implications of their deal. With 68,500 signatures already collected, the petition aims for a total of 100,000, showcasing significant support for re-evaluating the relationship with Visit Rwanda, as Mulumbu seeks to inform club officials of the ongoing situation in DR Congo without applying undue pressure on them to act.
In conclusion, Youssouf Mulumbu’s call for PSG to reconsider its sponsorship with Visit Rwanda highlights pressing ethical concerns surrounding the situation in DR Congo. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by conflict fueled by financial interests, poses serious implications for human rights. The international community, including sports organizations, is urged to consider the impact of their partnerships and to take a stand against associations that conflict with ethical standards.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
