The NBA has responded to a letter from U.S. senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) regarding its business relationship with Rwanda.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said the league follows the lead of the U.S. government
Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum replied to Blackburn and Merkley, explaining the league’s advocacy for social impact initiatives in Rwanda.
Blackburn and Merkley accused the NBA of prioritizing profit over principles by partnering with Rwandan dictator Paul Kagame. However, Tatum defended the league’s actions, stating it aligns with U.S. government policies on global business engagements.
“If American policies regarding business activities in Rwanda or any other BAL market change, our actions would adjust accordingly,” Tatum stated in the letter.
The NBA’s Basketball Africa League has close ties to Kagame and the Rwandan government, despite allegations of human rights violations by Kagame’s administration.
Tatum mentioned the NBA’s focus on raising awareness of gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and promoting basketball participation in Rwanda.
Rwanda has benefited from the Basketball Africa League
Tatum highlighted how the NBA’s presence in Africa has created employment and economic opportunities, while also acknowledging the league’s selective approach to addressing human rights issues.
Blackburn and Merkley criticized the NBA for maintaining relationships with dictators like Kagame, despite the league’s social justice positioning.
The U.S. senators pointed out Kagame’s record of suppressing opposition and violating human rights, including imprisonment, torture, and support for child soldiers in neighboring countries.
“Every market presents unique challenges, and we consider these differences in the 200+ countries and territories where we operate,” Tatum wrote in response to Blackburn and Merkley’s concerns.
Reports of human rights violations under Kagame’s rule have been documented annually since 2000, his first year as president.
