Why this is important
Rwanda has signed a sponsorship deal with English football club Arsenal. In 3 years, Rwanda is paying a sum estimated to be worth £30 million (about $40m). Arsenal players will display on their left sleeve a “visit Rwanda” logo.
Rwanda is among the 5 poorest countries of the planet. 39% of Rwandans are living under poverty line. Hunger is biting in many areas of the country. Donor funds account for about 20 percent of Rwanda’s budget while foreign loans also constitute 13 percent, meaning approximately 33 percent of the country’s annual expenditure is funded externally.
Apart from being Arsenal F.C. ape fun, President Paul Kagame is a ruthless dictator, elected with over 98%, hoping to remain in office until 2034. Competitors female presidential candidates are all in jail. Some opposition leaders have been intimidated, assassinated or exiled.
According to the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1993-2003 UN Mapping Report, Kagame’s forces are accused of acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and plundering of Congolese minerals.
When Kagame’s impunity will end, Arsenal F.C. and fans will be sorry for accepting blood money.
