DR Congo calls Formula One’s Rwanda Grand Prix plan ‘morally indefensible’
The Democratic Republic of Congo has strongly criticized Formula One's announcement to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda in the early 2030s. Congo's foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, called the decision 'morally indefensible' due to Rwanda's alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern DRC. Congo supports South Africa's bid to host the race instead and urges F1 to ensure no conflict-linked resources fund the event.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has condemned Formula One’s plan to host an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, describing the decision as “morally indefensible.” This statement was made by DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner on Thursday, following the announcement of the race scheduled for the early 2030s at a new circuit near Kigali.
Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwandan President Paul Kagame of using the event to “polish the image of an authoritarian leader” and highlighted Rwanda’s alleged backing of M23 rebels in eastern DRC, a claim supported by the United States and United Nations experts. Rwanda denies these accusations, stating its actions are for self-defense against armed groups.
The DRC supports South Africa’s competing bid to host the African Grand Prix and called on Formula One to ensure that no funding for the race comes from conflict-linked minerals or exploitation of Congolese resources.
Formula One responded by emphasizing its commitment to delivering economic, social, and cultural benefits to host nations and promoting the sport’s values and integrity worldwide. The organization expressed optimism about the positive impact the African Grand Prix will have.
This dispute reflects broader tensions in the region, including sanctions imposed by the United States on Rwanda’s military over alleged support for rebels in eastern Congo, which Rwanda has rejected.