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Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has called for a balanced approach to concerns about Rwanda hosting an African Grand Prix, urging critics to consider the continent’s history and broader challenges.
Formula One has secured a decade-long agreement with Rwanda to stage the race from the early 2030s, marking a significant step towards returning the sport to Africa.
Hamilton, a long-time advocate for bringing F1 back to the continent, acknowledged concerns surrounding the host nation but stressed the importance of understanding the historical context behind Africa’s challenges.
The British driver argued that colonialism and foreign intervention had contributed to many difficulties facing African countries, adding that schools in Britain should teach more about the continent’s history.
However, the proposed event has attracted criticism amid tensions between Rwanda and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The DRC has taken legal action against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing Kigali of violating several international agreements relating to genocide prevention, racial discrimination, women’s rights and torture.
Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner also warned that hosting the competition could enhance President Paul Kagame’s international standing despite allegations of Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict affecting her country.
She further cited United States sanctions against Rwanda’s military and four senior officers over alleged destabilisation in the region, military operations inside the DRC and support for the M23 rebel movement.
Wagner called on Formula One to obtain independent assurances that funding for the race would not involve minerals associated with conflict or the unlawful exploitation of Congolese resources.
Hamilton, who turns 42 in January and is contracted to Ferrari until 2027, has indicated that the prospect of competing in Africa could encourage him to extend his racing career.
The seven-time champion described racing on African soil as a long-held ambition, saying he would continue working to maintain his fitness and competitive performance.
He maintained that the continent deserved an opportunity to host a Grand Prix, emphasising its diverse cultures, welcoming communities and numerous destinations worthy of global recognition.
According to Hamilton, the championship could introduce African countries to international audiences, particularly young people, and encourage greater interest in their cultures and histories.
Nevertheless, he stressed that staging a race in Rwanda should not distract from ongoing humanitarian and political challenges affecting the region and other parts of the world.
The Ferrari driver expressed hope that the event would encourage people to learn more about Africa’s past and present circumstances, while calling for freedom and peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong