Rwanda Set to Host 2025 Road World Championships Despite Human Rights Criticism

The president of the global cycling federation has confirmed that the Road World Championships will take place in Rwanda this September, despite criticism from human rights organizations. These groups accuse Rwanda of using the event to improve its global image while allegedly supporting rebel groups involved in the ongoing conflict in neighboring Congo.
The championship, which draws top cyclists from around the world and has never been held in Africa before, is an opportunity for Rwanda to enhance its international reputation amid diplomatic tensions over its role in Congo. Western nations have imposed sanctions on Rwanda for allegedly backing the M23 rebels, who have seized significant parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this year. However, sports officials have continued their cooperation with Rwanda.
David Lappartient, the head of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and a candidate in the upcoming International Olympic Committee elections, spoke with President Paul Kagame in Kigali about the situation in Congo. He stated that the issue is focused on preventing a return to a genocidal scenario at Rwanda’s borders, which aligns with the Rwandan government’s justification for its actions in Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels to capture territory and exploit its mineral resources. In contrast, Rwanda claims it is defending itself against a Hutu militia that poses a threat to Tutsis, the ethnic group targeted during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The European Union recently sanctioned several Rwandan military officials, a gold refinery, and a mining figure linked to the ongoing conflict and mineral smuggling in Congo. The United States also sanctioned Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe, accusing him of orchestrating Rwanda’s support for M23 and the exportation of Congolese minerals.
Lappartient emphasized that sports should not be used as a tool for sanctions. He stated that he and Kagame agreed there was no reason to change the event’s location at this point, saying, “We are focused on Plan A, which is Rwanda.”
Human Rights Watch’s Lewis Mudge criticized the decision, arguing that holding the event in Rwanda would amount to endorsing “sportswashing” — using sports to deflect attention from Rwanda’s actions in Congo. Mudge claimed that proceeding with the championships would show a lack of concern for the suffering in Congo.
Rwanda is also active in sports sponsorship, backing soccer clubs such as Arsenal, Paris St. Germain, and Bayern Munich, where their jerseys feature the “Visit Rwanda” slogan. In December, President Kagame revealed plans to host a Formula One race. Additionally, Rwanda has built a strong partnership with the Basketball Africa League, jointly operated by the NBA and FIBA.