The spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo, expressed that there is a group of people who want all the benefits of the sports business to remain in a few countries, stressing that things have changed today.

He returned it in a message he wrote on the X website, in response to journalist Jackie Lumbasi who asked about the word that is still being used by people who do not wish Rwanda well, Sportswashing.

The journalist wrote in English asking for help to understand what the word means and why it is still being used by many people who speak badly of Rwanda.

He said, “I see ‘sportwashing’ everywhere. What is ‘sportwashing’? In order not to leave anyone behind, I speak in Kinyarwanda or Swahili. I want to learn.”

The Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo, immediately responded to the journalist, showing him that people who continue to use this word, are a group that opposes the current situation and does not wish Rwanda the best.

He said, “Jackie, these people who came up with the word “sportswashing” are a bunch of anti-trends. They want all the profits from the sports business to stay in the few rich countries that have benefited from these profits in the past. But now we are in 2024. Things have taken a different turn. Are we gone?”

Usually the term Sportwashing is used to describe how certain countries or organizations use sporting events or major competitions to change their image on the international stage.

These activities are carried out in order to reduce or conceal wrongdoing and violations of human rights, corruption, or other criminal activities occurring in that country.

A good example is when a country or a country has a bad image on the world stage, it hosts major competitions like the World Cup or the Olympic Games, to show itself well.

Those who continue to use that word want to show that Rwanda is in that direction due to the fact that it continues to be visited by foreign countries and hosts major sports activities.

It is a language that Rwanda will talk about from afar, because it has nothing to do with what it does.

In 2024, Rwanda continued to host important tournaments including the annual Tour du Rwanda tournament, attended by 19 teams and the Tennis Tournament “ATP Challenger 50 Tour” which brought together professional players from around the world.

There is also the African Cup in Tennis, Kigali International Marathon, Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, BAL 2024 Finals, Ironman 70.3.

There are also African Gymnastics Championships, FIA General Assembly Meetings and other Tennis tournaments including ITF International Juniors /J30&J60, Billie Jean King Cup, Davis Cup and Rwanda Open M25 .

It is also planned that next year Rwanda will also host various sports events including the World Cycling Championship.

Last year, Rwanda hosted the FIFA General Assembly

Rwanda hosted a ceremony to reward the best performers in the competition organized by the International Automobile Racing Association (FIA).