Democratic Republic of Congo objects to F1 Rwanda GP: “Do you want to stain yourselves with a bloodstained association?”. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has sent a letter to F1.

F1, Rwanda hypothesis sparks debate
As is well known, Formula 1 plans to return to Africa more than 30 years after the last Grand Prix on the continent. The choice could fall on Rwanda, which hosted the most recent FIA awards ceremony and, through President Paul Kagame, has strongly pushed in recent months to convince F1 to grant it a calendar slot by 2027 at the latest.

Rwanda’s candidacy has drawn various criticisms regarding Kagame’s rule, as he has been accused of repressing dissenting voices in the country (he won the last elections with 99.18% of the vote) and of interfering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (where he is supporting the M23 rebels). It is precisely from the Democratic Republic of the Congo that a letter has arrived at Formula 1 explicitly requesting the termination of all negotiations with Rwanda.

The letter
“While I applaud Formula 1’s desire to host a Grand Prix in Africa, I wonder whether Rwanda is the best choice to represent our continent. I urge you to end negotiations and exclude Rwanda as a potential host,” said Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner. “Does Formula 1 really want its brand to be tainted by a bloodstained association with Rwanda? Is this truly the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?”

Rwanda has been accused by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations, and some Western countries of supporting the M23 with troops and weapons. Clashes between the army and the Rwanda-backed rebels have killed thousands of people since early 2022 and displaced over a million. In her appeal to Domenicali, Wagner pointed to South Africa as the ideal candidate should F1 wish to return to the continent: “I would wholeheartedly support it. South African soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in my country have been killed by the very regime you are trying to do business with. For the sake of those who gave their lives in the name of peace, make the right choice and at least ensure that their sacrifice means something.”

F1’s response
The F1 organization responded by assuring close attention to developments in the area: “We have received requests from multiple locations worldwide wishing to host a future Formula 1 race. We assess each potential request in detail, and any future decision will be based on complete information and what is in the best interests of our sport and our values.”

Previously, Stefano Domenicali had described Rwanda’s candidacy as being “in pole position” for F1’s return to Africa. Since it is hard to believe that the F1 president was unaware of the ongoing war in the area, it is possible that this response is merely for show and that the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s appeal will ultimately be ignored.