The dispute follows Rwanda’s signing of a 10-year agreement to host a Formula One event, a move that could mark the championship’s return to Africa.

While the deal has drawn attention to Rwanda’s ambitions to attract major international sporting events, the DRC has questioned whether Rwanda should be given the opportunity to host the race.

Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has warned that awarding Rwanda the event could damage Formula One’s reputation. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, responded by saying the DRC should be more concerned about its own challenges.

Nduhungirehe pointed to allegations reportedly under investigation in Belgium involving President Félix Tshisekedi and members of his family, including claims of illicit wealth accumulation, money laundering and the exploitation of natural resources. These claims have not been established as proven wrongdoing.

In a report published by Al Jazeera on 15 October, Kayikwamba said she had warned Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali and other officials in February 2025 against allowing Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix.

She argued that giving Rwanda the platform would raise ethical concerns, citing allegations of Rwandan involvement in the conflict in eastern DRC. Kigali has disputed accusations concerning its role in the conflict.

The latest exchange adds to a long-running diplomatic dispute between the two neighbours, which has also extended into sports sponsorship and international partnerships.

The DRC has previously opposed Rwanda’s promotional deals with European football clubs, including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid. Kinshasa has also sought partnerships of its own, including efforts involving FC Barcelona and AS Monaco.

The disagreement over Formula One reflects how sport has become another point of tension between the two countries, whose relations remain strained by the conflict in eastern DRC and wider regional security concerns.

For Rwanda, hosting the race would be an opportunity to raise its international profile and attract investment and tourism. But the dispute with Kinshasa shows that the planned event is already carrying political significance beyond the racetrack.