Rwanda secured a landmark 10-year agreement to host Africa’s first Formula One race in decades, a move that has generated significant controversy amid allegations of the country’s ongoing human rights abuses. The announcement, made last week by F1 president Stefano Domenicali, confirms Rwanda’s place on the global motor racing calendar starting in the early 2030s.

The decision marks Formula One’s continued expansion into emerging markets, following a long absence from the African continent since South Africa’s last Grand Prix in 1993. “Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula One fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly,” Domenicali said, describing the inclusion of Rwanda as a “landmark” step toward bringing the sport closer to fans worldwide. The agreement positions Africa alongside other continents that currently host races, furthering F1's global reach.

However, the selection of Rwanda—a country often criticized for its authoritarian governance—has provoked backlash from human rights groups and Rwandan dissidents living in exile. The criticism intensified after the discovery over the weekend of the beheaded body of Robert Kabera, a prominent Rwandan government critic, in Uganda where he had been granted asylum. Police have yet to identify any suspects in the killing. Activists and refugees cite Kabera’s death as emblematic of a pattern of violent reprisals against opponents of the Rwandan government, many of whom have faced threats or attacks while in exile.

The choice of Rwanda over South Africa, which had been lobbying to host an F1 event at the historic Kyalami racetrack near Johannesburg, has also drawn scrutiny. South Africa, often viewed as one of the continent’s more democratic nations, received cabinet approval last year to submit a bid for an F1 race as early as next year. Despite South Africa’s push, F1 opted for Rwanda, a decision raising questions about the sport’s approach to hosting events in countries with contested political and human rights records.

Formula One has a history of holding races in nations with authoritarian regimes, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting a broader strategic focus on emerging markets rather than political considerations. The reaction to the Rwanda announcement highlights ongoing tensions between the sport’s commercial ambitions and concerns over human rights and governance in host countries.