UK activists gathered outside Emirates Stadium during a recent match, protesting against Arsenal F.C.’s sponsorship deal with Emirates Airlines due to the UAE’s alleged involvement in the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The protests stem from allegations of increased violence in Sudan linked to UAE support for the RSF. The activists are calling for an end to the sponsorship, citing concerns over Arsenal’s implicit association with these human rights violations, and urging fans to take a stand for Sudan.
Activists from London For Sudan and Action For Sudan staged a protest outside Emirates Stadium during the Arsenal versus Liverpool match, calling on Arsenal F.C. to terminate its sponsorship agreement with Emirates Airlines. This request stems from allegations that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) plays a detrimental role in escalating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly through its alleged support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a joint statement released prior to the match, the advocacy groups drew attention to a disturbing increase in violence following the defection of a prominent RSF commander, which has resulted in over 500 fatalities and numerous reports of sexual violence in the El Gezira region over just 48 hours. As violence against civilians intensifies, residents have expressed concerns regarding potential RSF retaliatory measures, which may lead to further civil unrest. Activists have charged that the UAE has exacerbated the situation by supplying arms to the RSF, a claim that has been reiterated by various stakeholders at international forums, including the United Nations Security Council. Protestors argue that Emirates Airlines, as a UAE-owned entity, is profiting from the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, where the UAE is believed to have secured access to vital resources. They assert that Arsenal F.C.’s ongoing association with Emirates Airlines ties the club to these alleged atrocities undermining the integrity of both the club and the sport. The protesters implored Arsenal supporters and the wider community to advocate for the cessation of the sponsorship, emphasizing their campaign for accountability and justice for those affected by the violence in Sudan.
The protests arose amid increasing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has been exacerbated by violence and civil strife linked to the paramilitary RSF. Activists assert that there is a direct connection between the funding of such armed groups and entities like the UAE, which are accused of engaging in ‘sportswashing’—an attempt to improve or obscure negative perceptions through sports sponsorship and affiliations. The backdrop of these protests highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and global human rights issues, shedding light on the complexities of corporate sponsorship in times of humanitarian crisis.
The protest by London For Sudan and Action For Sudan underscores the critical issues of corporate responsibility and the ethical implications of sports sponsorships in regions afflicted by conflict. As activists continue to rally for change, the linkage between Arsenal F.C. and UAE’s alleged complicity in Sudan’s humanitarian crisis raises important questions for fans and stakeholders alike about accountability and moral engagement in the world of sports.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
