The Democratic Republic of the Congo threatens the organization of a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Rwanda

The Democratic Republic of Congo has asked Formula 1 to stop discussions with Rwanda about the possibility of a Grand Prix in that country, as Rwanda aims to become the first African country on the F1 calendar since the end of the South African Grand Prix in 1993.

Following a letter addressed to the F1 director, Stefano Domenicali, by the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, in which she expressed her concerns about the possibility of Rwanda hosting a F1 Grand Prix.

The fighting that began after a March 23 Movement offensive in 2022, in the eastern region of the DRC, is relentless, with all peace agreements resulting in failure. Recently, there was an escalation of violence when the rebels launched an offensive on the city of Goma (DRC), causing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and a complete diplomatic break between the two countries. Madame Wagner expresses concerns related to the war and raises questions about the illegal exploitation of resources such as copper, cobalt, and lithium in Rwanda. These concerns are heightened by criminal complaints filed by the DRC in France and Belgium against Apple regarding these minerals. According to her, these are elements of which F1 should be informed.

In the letter, Mrs. Wagner says:

« I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing discussions between Formula 1 and Rwanda to host a Grand Prix in its capital, Kigali. Rwanda is currently occupying a large part of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in collaboration with its proxy, the M23, displacing more than 700,000 Congolese citizens. Does Formula 1 really want its image to be tarnished by a bloody association with Rwanda? Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport? While I applaud Formula 1’s desire to host a Grand Prix in Africa, I question whether Rwanda would be the choice that best represents our continent and urge you to end the negotiations and exclude Rwanda as a potential host. »

Last December, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, during the FIA awards gala held in his country, reiterated that he was a candidate to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, adding that this race could be held on a track currently under construction at a new international airport.

What do F1 and the FIA think about it?

F1 is aware of the situation in the DRC and Rwanda, but is closely monitoring developments. It has also made it clear that decisions on where races will be held will always be made in the best interest and in accordance with its values. A spokesperson for F1 said: « We are closely monitoring the developments in the DRC and Rwanda and continue to do so. »

Rwanda and South Africa are both aspiring to host a Grand Prix in Africa for the year 2027 – a first on the continent since 1993. An ultra-modern F1-standard track is under construction near Kigali’s new Bugesera airport, designed by former Benetton driver Alexander Wurz, with a vision that aims to combine motorsport with sustainability and natural beauty.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem told BBC Sport Africa in December that Africa deserves a Formula 1 event, Rwanda is the best place.