Arsenal at centre of political storm after Rwandan president spotted attending match

Controversial Rwanda president Paul Kagame attended the first leg of Arsenal ’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich last week while the African country was in a period of mourning to commemorate the 30-year anniversary of its genocide.

Kagame, who has created headlines in the past for his outspoken criticism of Arsenal’s performances on the pitch, also met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street before heading to the Emirates with a police escort.

But Kagame’s attendance at the 2-2 draw has been criticised by political opponents at home because civilians were instructed by the Rwanda national police to “restrict activities” including “projecting football matches, sports competitions, betting games, concerts, theatres and playing music not related to the commemoration; wedding and other mass celebrations”.

Rwanda’s government have since claimed that guidance was dated and against their policy. But Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, an opposition leader in Rwanda, said in comments published by the Guardian: “It is understandable that the people in Rwanda and abroad question the fact the president went to watch a football match during the period of mourning for the victims of the genocide against Tutsi.

“Especially since the authorities here in Rwanda had issued directives during this period. It creates confusion among Rwandans.”

Arsenal are also sponsored by the nation’s tourist board, Visit Rwanda, a deal that has been heavily criticised by human rights campaigners.

The journalist Michela Wrong, whose book Do Not Disturb digs deep into Kagame’s authoritarian regime, has previously described the agreement with Arsenal as “like being sponsored by Pinochet” and “an insult to UK taxpayers.”

In 2021 a spokesperson for the Arsenal Supporters Trust said that the club has “lost its moral compass in its desire to maximise revenues.”

“It’s a controlling, repressive, sinister regime,” Wrong said. “There’s a good development record, they’ve won brownie points for controlling Covid. But does Arsenal want to be connected with a country with that profile and reputation?

Paul Kagame, the Rwanda leader, attended Arsenal’s game against Bayern Munich last week.

“He does a lot of this sportswashing. He’s a very clever marketer who consults and pays huge amounts of money to lobbying and reputational management companies. Tens of thousands of pounds from this incredibly poor country.”

Arsenal have said that it was working with the country to “change perceptions” as part of the sponsorship deal that is worth £10m per year. Kagame has been president of the country since 2000, making him one of the world ’s longest-serving leaders.

The second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League tie takes place at Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday evening.

Mirror Football have approached Arsenal for comment.

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