Arsenal will end its controversial Rwanda partnership after eight seasons amid fan protests and concerns over regional conflict in DRC

Premier League leaders Arsenal have announced the end of their controversial Rwanda partnership at the close of this season, the Rwanda Development Board confirmed on Wednesday.

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The Visit Rwanda deal, signed eight seasons ago, had faced growing criticism amid escalating violence in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which borders Rwanda.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 militia, responsible for seizing large areas of territory since 2021.

The conflict has killed thousands and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, although a ceasefire and peace framework have recently been signed between the DRC and M23.

In April, Arsenal fans staged protests against the ongoing collaboration, particularly highlighting the Visit Rwanda logo on the sleeves of players’ jerseys.

“Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have mutually agreed to conclude their partnership at the end of this season, bringing to a close an eight-season collaboration that included Visit Rwanda as Arsenal’s first Official Sleeve Partner,” the Board said in a statement.

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Rwanda retains partnerships with European clubs Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid, underscoring its continued focus on sports marketing despite the controversy.