- F1 looking to return to Africa for first time since 1993
- Rebel group M23 has seized Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC
- UN experts maintain Rwandan army is in de facto control of M23 operations
Formula One has been urged by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to avoid a “blood-stained association” with Rwanda.
Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s minister of foreign affairs, wrote to Formula One chief executive and president Stefano Domenicali requesting that the series break off any talks to race in Rwanda.
‘I write to express deep concern over Formula One’s reported ongoing talks with Rwanda to host a Grand Prix in its capital Kigali,’ Kayikwamba Wagner wrote, as reported by City AM.
‘Rwanda is currently occupying a large part of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with its proxy the M23, displacing over 700,000 Congolese citizens.
‘While I applaud Formula One’s desire to host a Grand Prix in Africa, I question whether Rwanda would be a choice that best represents our continent and urge you to end negotiations and rule Rwanda out as a potential host.”
Kayikwamba Wagner added: ‘Does Formula One really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda? Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?’
Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 has captured Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, while the United Nations (UN) says that more than 700 people have been killed so far in the fighting and a further 2,800 have been injured.
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In addition to more than 700,000 Congolese citizens being displaced, the DRC has said that 4,000 Rwandan troops are active in the eastern part of the DRC as well as M23. Rwanda has claimed that its troops have been deployed in the DRC only as a defensive measure to stop the conflict spilling into Rwanda.
UN experts maintain the Rwandan army is in ‘de facto control of M23 operations’, with the group planning to take the DRC’s capital Kinshasa.
Kayikwamba Wagner’s letter follows a similar plea for European soccer giants Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain to end their ‘blood-stained sponsorship deals’ with Visit Rwanda.
Formula One is interested in returning to Africa for the first time since 1993, with Rwanda and South Africa both heavily linked with hosting a race.
The International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) end-of-season prize giving ceremony was hosted in Rwanda last year, suggesting the country is in a strong position to host Formula One’s return to Africa.
However, Kayikwamba Wagner has called on Formula One executives to focus on the South African bid over Rwanda.
Kayikwamba Wagner wrote: ‘South African soldiers on peacekeeping duties in my country have been killed by the regime you seek to do business with. For the sake of those who have given their lives in the name of peace, make the right choice and at least make their sacrifice worth something.’
Rwanda has denied providing military support to M23 operations, but insists it will do anything necessary to defend itself.
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