The NBA has responded to a letter from U.S. senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) addressed to league commissioner Adam Silver regarding its business relationship with Rwanda.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum’s response
In a letter to Blackburn and Merkley, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum explained how the league has supported various social impact initiatives in Rwanda.
The senators criticized the NBA for its partnership with Rwandan dictator Paul Kagame, accusing the league of prioritizing profits over principles. Tatum defended the NBA by stating that it follows the guidance of the U.S. government on engaging in international business activities.
“If U.S. policies change regarding business in Rwanda or any other BAL market, our actions will adjust accordingly,” Tatum noted in the letter.
The NBA’s involvement in the Basketball Africa League is closely tied to Kagame and the Rwandan government, despite allegations of human rights abuses under Kagame’s administration.
Tatum also mentioned in the letter that the NBA is working to raise awareness about gender-based violence, support girls’ education, and promote basketball participation in Rwanda.
Impact of the Basketball Africa League in Rwanda
Tatum highlighted that the NBA’s presence in Africa has created jobs and economic opportunities in Rwanda. While the NBA has contributed to Rwanda’s economy, it has been selective in addressing human rights concerns.
The senators criticized the NBA for claiming to be a champion of social justice while forming relationships with authoritarian leaders like Kagame.
Blackburn and Merkley also pointed out the human rights violations in Rwanda under Kagame’s leadership, including the imprisonment and torture of political opponents and the funding of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We are aware of the unique challenges in each market where we operate and strive to address them in over 200 countries and territories,” Tatum responded to the senators.
The reports on human rights violations in Rwanda have been consistent since Kagame became president in 2000.
