In December, Rwanda hosted the FIA Prize Giving Gala and the World Motor Sport Council meeting, where it announced plans to build a new Formula 1 circuit near Kigali, close to the soon-to-be-completed Bugesera International Airport.

The track’s design is being led by the company of former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, raising hopes for Rwanda’s bid to host an F1 race as a part of the country’s broader strategy to increase its international visibility through sports.

However, tensions have arisen due to the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The situation there has recently escalated, with the country’s army fighting against the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly supported by Rwanda, although Rwanda denies this.

In response to the situation, DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, has sent a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, urging him to stop any further discussions with Rwanda about hosting a Grand Prix.

"I write to express deep concern over Formula 1’s reported ongoing talks with Rwanda to host a grand prix in its capital Kigali," Wagner wrote, according to a letter seen by City AM.

She went on to highlight the ongoing conflict, stating, "Rwanda is currently occupying a large part of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with its proxy the M23, displacing over 700,000 Congolese citizens."

Wagner also questioned whether Rwanda was the right choice to represent Africa in global motorsport: "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.

"Does Formula 1 really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda? Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?"

F1 has acknowledged it is "monitoring" the situation, stating that any decision on future races will be based on the country’s alignment with the sport’s values. However, reliable sources reportedly told BBC that the chances of a race in Rwanda are now less likely due to the conflict.

While many would welcome the return of F1 to Africa, the ongoing violence in the DRC complicates matters. Nearly 2,900 people have died in the conflict since January, and Formula 1 now faces a delicate decision about whether to continue its talks with Rwanda or to seek other potential hosts, like for example Kyalami.