Formula 1 is under fire after announcing a 10-year deal for an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, with critics dubbing it a “sportswashing prize” for the country’s government.
Set to debut in the early 2030s on a new circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali, the Grand Prix will mark F1’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993. The agreement forms part of a wave of major sporting events sponsored by the Rwandan government, including high-profile partnerships with football clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa and hosting the cycling world championships.
However, organizations including Amnesty International have condemned the deal, arguing that Rwanda is seeking to “polish its image” and distract from ongoing human rights abuses.
“A 10-year Grand Prix ‘presented by Visit Rwanda’ is a sportswashing prize for the Rwandan authorities,” said Felix James, Amnesty International UK’s head of campaigns. “Rwanda is buying into the world’s biggest sports to polish its image and deflect from its appalling human rights record.”
James highlighted concerns including arbitrary detention, torture, repression of free speech, and links between Rwandan authorities and violence in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, as cited in recent UN reports. The UN has sanctioned Rwanda for its alleged support of the M23 rebel group, while UK aid to Rwanda was suspended last year amid mounting allegations of widespread abuses.
Despite the controversy, F1 officials defend the move, pointing to the potential to inspire fans and promote the sport across Africa.
“We have the opportunity to inspire and bring the passion of F1 to 100 million people across Africa, and sport can be a positive force for good,” said an F1 spokesperson.
As debate swirls, critics warn that without accountability and a meaningful commitment to human rights, sporting partnerships like this risk giving cover to governments engaged in serious abuses.
