DRC to Formula 1: Don’t partner with ‘blood-stained’ Rwanda

40

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made a formal plea to Formula 1, urging the latter to abandon its discussions with Rwanda regarding a potential Grand Prix in the country.

This request comes amidst an ongoing bloody conflict in the North Kivu region between the DRC and M23 rebels, a military group allegedly heavily supported by the Rwandan military.

In a letter addressed to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, expressed her deep concerns over Rwanda’s candidacy to host a Grand Prix, questioning the ethical implications of such a decision.

A ‘Blood-Stained Association’?

The North Kivu region has been ravaged by violence since 2022 due to the M23 rebel group’s presence, while the conflict has displaced over 700,000 people and caused thousands of deaths.

“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 first reported by City AM.

“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's Formula 1 Ambitions

Rwanda has continually denied any involvement with the M23 rebel group, despite reports from the United Nations disputing its claims.

The country’s bid to host a Formula 1 race has been championed by President Paul Kagame, who formally launched the campaign during the FIA’s annual Prize Giving gala in Kigali last December.

Kagame spoke enthusiastically about the potential for his nation to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa for the first time since 1993.

"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."

Rwanda president Paul Kagame with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. (©X/KTPressRwanda)

Rwanda’s plan involves constructing a new, permanent racing facility near the planned Bugesera airport outside Kigali, further solidifying the country’s ambitions to elevate its profile on the global stage.

Alongside other high-profile sporting events, such as hosting the 2025 UCI World Road Cycling Championships, Rwanda has also been an active sponsor of football clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and PSG under its "Visit Rwanda" campaign.

Formula 1’s Response

When approached for comment on the controversy, Formula 1 issued a measured response, emphasizing its commitment to careful evaluation of all bids.

"We have been closely monitoring the developments relating to the DRC and Rwanda and continue to do so,” an F1 spokesman told Motorsport.com.

"We have received requests from multiple locations around the world that wish to host a future Formula 1 race, and 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."

Competing Visions for Formula 1 in Africa

As Formula 1 seeks to expand its global footprint, the prospect of returning to Africa is high on its agenda.

Alongside Rwanda’s bid, South Africa is also vying to host a Grand Prix, with discussions centering around a return to the iconic Kyalami circuit or a potential street race in Cape Town.

However, with interest from other nations such as Thailand and South Korea, F1 must ensure that every bid meets its stringent criteria.

For now, the decision about Rwanda remains a contentious issue, with the DRC’s appeal forcing Formula 1 to weigh its values against the politics of the region.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.