Rwanda's hopes of securing a Formula 1 race have been thrown into doubt following political opposition from neighbouring Congo.
When the Rwandan capital Kigali hosted the FIA's end-of-year prize-giving gala in December, President Paul Kagame formally outlined the country's ambitions to bring Formula 1 to Africa.
However, just a month later, tensions in the region escalated after a rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, took control of Goma, a Congolese city near the border. The United Nations has condemned Rwanda's alleged involvement, citing thousands of deaths as a result of the ongoing violence linked to the M23 rebel group.
Now, Congo's foreign affairs minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, has written to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, urging the sport to abandon negotiations with Rwanda.
"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," she wrote.
"Does Formula 1 really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda?"
When asked about the letter, a Formula 1 spokesperson confirmed that the sport is monitoring the situation closely.
"We have received inquiries from several organisers around the world wishing to host a Formula 1 race in the future," the official stated.
"We assess any potential request in detail and any future decisions are based on full information and on what is in the best interests of the sport and our values."
