Overview

• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called on Formula 1 to cease discussions with Rwanda over hosting a Grand Prix, citing concerns over Rwanda's alleged involvement in the M23 rebel conflict.
• The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels with troops and weapons, a claim echoed by the United Nations, with recent fighting in eastern Congo displacing over one million people since 2022.
• Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced plans in December to bid for an F1 race, proposing the construction of a new racetrack near Kigali's Bugesera airport.
• DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner argued that associating with Rwanda could damage F1's reputation and suggested South Africa as a more suitable host for a race in Africa.
• Formula 1 stated it is monitoring the situation and will base decisions on full information and alignment with the sport's values, while no final decision on Rwanda's bid has been made.