Rwanda GP questioned: "Do F1 want to be with a blood-stained association?"
F1 News
- Ludo van Denderen
Before there have been any real talks of the first Rwanda Grand Prix at all, the race has already come into question. There have been some concerns surrounding travel to the African country because of perceived insecurity, and now, there have also been calls for Formula 1 to dismiss Rwanda as a Grand Prix host itself.
Those calls have been led by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the foreign minister of the neighbouring country Congo. In the East of the country, on the border with Rwanda, there is currently armed conflict, with Rwandan-backed rebels taking a town in Congo, leading to a huge refugee influx and tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Congolese minister sends letter to Formula 1
In a letter shared with the media, Wagner states: "I write to express deep concern over Formula 1's reported ongoing talks with Rwanda to host a grand prix in its capital Kigali.
"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 1'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."
Finally, the politician concludes her letter with: “Does Formula 1 really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda? Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?”
Last season, the traditional FIA Gala took place in Rwanda. Rwanda's president then also announced his desire to host an F1 race.
his article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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