F1 warned against “blood-stained” Rwanda race by Democratic Republic of Congo

Representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo have called on Formula 1 not to entertain the idea of sanctioning a Rwanda Grand Prix in the wake of a long-running conflict in the region.

Since 2022 the DRC has been embroiled in a bloody conflict with the M23 movement, a military rebel group backed by the Rwandan army, which has taken over swathes of territory in the North Kivu province that borders Rwanda.

Against the backdrop of new clashes around key city Goma, which the United Nations reports has left 2,900 dead, DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Therese Kayikwamba Wagner has urged F1 chief Stefano Domenicali not to entertain talks with Rwanda over a future grand prix in the country, which is the desire of the country’s strongman Paul Kagame.

“I write to express deep concern over Formula 1’s reported ongoing talks with Rwanda to host a grand prix in its capital Kigali,” Wagner wrote in the letter, which was first reported by City AM and has since been confirmed as genuine by Motorsport.com.

“Rwanda is currently occupying a large part of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with its proxy the M23, displacing over 700,000 Congolese citizens.  

“While I applaud Formula 1’s desire to host a grand prix in Africa, I question whether Rwanda would be a choice that best represents our continent and urge you to end negotiations and rule Rwanda out as a potential host.

“Does Formula 1 really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda? Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?”

Rwanda has repeatedly denied its forces are supporting the M23 rebels in the DRC, but the UN has long disputed that.

In recent years Rwanda has been looking to profile itself on the world stage and – alongside other high-profile sporting events – become the first African nation since 1993 to host a grand prix. It is looking to build a new, permanent race track near the planned Bugesera airport near capital city Kigali.

Kigali also hosted the FIA’s annual Prize Giving gale in December, where president Kagame officially launched the country’s bid.

“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix,” he said.

“A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1 for the good progress in our discussions so far. I assure you we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves.”

Earlier this month Wagner called on football giants Arsenal, Bayern Munich and PSG to end their ‘Visit Rwanda’ sponsorship deals. The country is also set to host the 2025 UCI World Road Cycling Championships in September.

As F1 looks to expand into Africa, South Africa is the other contender on the continent to host a grand prix. The government there is actively seeking bids from prospective promoters to run the event, with the existing circuit at Kyalami and a street race in Cape Town the two most logical options that have emerged thus far.

The burgeoning series is also receiving plenty of interest from other aspiring host nations around the world, including Thailand and South Korea, so in a seller’s market any prospective bid to secure a slot on the 24-race calendar will have to score high marks across the board to be considered.

When approached for comment, a spokesman for F1 said: “We have been closely monitoring the developments relating to the DRC and Rwanda and continue to do so.

“We have received requests from multiple locations around the world that wish to host a future Formula 1 race. We assess any potential request in detail and any future decisions would be based on the full information and what is in the best interests of our sport and our values.”