NAIROBI, Kenya- Human Rights Watch has urged Formula One to assess the human rights risks of holding a Grand Prix in Rwanda, warning that journalists, government critics and vulnerable residents could face increased pressure around race events.
The warning follows Formula One’s announcement of a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host an African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.
The race will take place at a planned circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, once construction is completed. It will mark Formula One’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993.
In a statement, Lewis Mudge, Human Rights Watch’s director for Central Africa, said the race could raise the continent’s profile in global sport but also create significant human rights risks.
Mudge said Rwanda’s government had targeted independent media and political opponents at home and abroad.
He cited allegations of torture, unlawful military detention, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The organisation also said it had documented authorities rounding up homeless people and street vendors before major events.
It cited the detention of some of Kigali’s poorest residents ahead of an international conference in 2021.
Human Rights Watch warned that the Grand Prix could be used to improve Rwanda’s international image while diverting attention from its human rights record, a practice commonly described as “sportswashing.”
The organisation also accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and said Rwandan forces had been implicated in abuses there.
Rwanda has rejected accusations concerning its role in the conflict, saying its security measures are intended to protect the country from armed groups operating across the border.
Human Rights Watch said it had written to Formula One on February 24 seeking details on how the sport planned to address human rights concerns linked to the Rwanda bid.
It said it had not received a response.
The organisation called on Formula One to conduct an in-depth risk assessment, consult civil society groups and include measurable commitments to protect local and international journalists covering the event.
Formula One has described the deal as part of its plan to expand the sport’s global reach.
It says the project is expected to support tourism, investment, skills development and local businesses.
The inaugural race date has not yet been announced.
