Former DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu has called on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to reconsider its partnership with Visit Rwanda, citing ethical concerns amid the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have seized key territories in eastern Congo, displacing approximately 700,000 people and creating widespread fear and suffering.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Congo

Mulumbu, who captained DR Congo in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, recently visited Goma, a city severely impacted by the conflict. "The situation is very, very hard and very painful," Mulumbu told the BBC. "It's not a religious or territory war. It's a financial war, and people need to know that."

Reports indicate that M23 rebels are exploiting Congo's mineral wealth, particularly tantalum, a rare metal essential for smartphone production. This exploitation has led to accusations against Rwanda of materially benefiting from the conflict, though Rwanda has denied these claims, stating it is focused on securing its borders.

Calls for Ethical Sponsorships

DR Congo's foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has also written to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, urging the club to terminate its "blood-stained" deal with Visit Rwanda. Similar appeals have been made to Arsenal and Bayern Munich, both of which have partnerships with Rwanda's tourism board.

Mulumbu, who began his career at PSG, emphasized the club's values: "They taught me about the value of sport, unity, and ethics. This Visit Rwanda deal doesn't match those values." He is supporting a petition launched by PSG fans, aiming to gather 100,000 signatures to pressure the club to end the partnership.

The Broader Impact

Mulumbu's efforts are part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about the crisis in Congo and the ethical implications of such partnerships. "We are going to do our best to inform [about] this deal and what's behind it," he said. "I think it will be a big step if we can cancel this Visit Rwanda partnership."

As the petition gains momentum, Mulumbu hopes to meet with PSG's leadership to discuss the issue further. "I don't want to put pressure on the club, but they need to be informed," he added. "Then they can take their own decision."

This ongoing conflict and the ethical questions surrounding PSG's sponsorship deal highlight the complex intersection of sports, politics, and humanitarian issues.