Formula 1 to race in Rwanda from early 2030s amid controversy

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:58 · Archive

Formula 1 will hold its first African Grand Prix since 1993 in Rwanda from the early 2030s, drawing protests from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Formula 1 announced plans on Tuesday to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda from the early 2030s, with the circuit to be built at Bugesera near Kigali. The race will be the first held in Africa since 1993. Rwandan President Paul Kagame joined F1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to announce the decision.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, strongly objected. She said in February she had warned F1 authorities that allowing Rwanda to host would be 'morally indefensible' and would 'polish the image of an authoritarian leader'. The DRC, the United States and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23 rebels in eastern DRC, where conflict has caused widespread devastation. Rwanda says its security measures are intended to protect it against threats from armed groups operating across the border.

Kayikwamba Wagner called for 'credible, independent guarantees' that no money used to host the race comes from conflict-linked minerals or exploitation of Congolese resources. She said the DRC welcomes F1's return to Africa but backs South Africa's rival efforts to host a race instead. The DRC has previously objected to Rwanda's sports ventures, including sponsorship deals with European football clubs.

How it is being reported

• Formula 1 in Rwanda: Sportswashing claims vs. hopes for African legacyFormula 1 will return to Africa for the first time since 1993. There is concern Rwanda are using it as another sportswashing opportunity, but there is also hope the event's legacy can impact wider African society.DW News · 16 Oct, 09:37
• DR Congo protests Formula 1’s ‘indefensible’ decision to race in RwandaFormula One returns to Africa for the first time since 1993, but DRC slams decision to stage race in Rwanda.Al Jazeera · 15 Oct, 18:13

In this story: Rwanda · Democratic Republic of Congo · Formula 1 · Paul Kagame · Therese Kayikwamba Wagner · Stefano Domenicali · South Africa · M23

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