Congo protests Formula 1’s plan to race in Rwanda, citing authoritarian leader and conflict minerals

What happened

Formula 1 announced on Tuesday that it will hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, with a circuit to be built at Bugesera near Kigali in the early 2030s. The first African F1 race since 1993 drew immediate protest from Congo's Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who said in February 2025 she had warned F1 that hosting the race would be "morally indefensible". She argues the event would "polish the image" of President Paul Kagame, whose government Congo, the United States and UN experts accuse of backing M23 rebels destabilising eastern Congo. Rwanda says its military actions are defensive measures against cross-border armed groups. Wagner called on F1 to require guarantees that race funding does not come from conflict-linked minerals or Congolese resource exploitation, and said Congo supports South Africa's rival bid to host a race instead. F1 responded that sport can be "a positive force for good" and said it maintains "exceptional standards, values and integrity" with its host nations.

Key facts

• African Grand Prix will be held at Bugesera circuit near Kigali in early 2030s
• Formula 1 last raced in Africa in 1993
• United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda's military in March over M23 support
• Congo, US and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23 rebels in eastern Congo

Covered by1NewsOtago Daily TimesNot covered byRNZStuffNZ HeraldNewstalk ZBNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz

Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

What outlets are saying