The Democratic Republic of Congo has urged F1 to abandon talks with Rwanda over the country potentially hosting a grand prix in the🙈 future.

In a letter sent t🌼o F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali🌄, the DRC’s minister of foreign affairs Therese Kayikwamba Wagner expressed concerns at the prospect of a race being held in Rwanda amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The DRC government have asked F1 not to entertain thಌe idea, which it warns would be a “blood-stained association”.

Tensions between the neighbouring countries have escalated after Rwandan-backed M23 reb♎els attacked Congolese gꦗovernment forces, breaking a two-day lull in fighting.

Around 2,900 people have been kil💜led since the start of the year as a result of the conflict, according to the ♐latest United Nations reports.

“I write to express deep concern over Formula 1’s reported ongoing talks with Rwanda to host a grand prix in its capital Kigali,” Wa😼gner wrote in a letter which has been widely reported by 🧸several media outlets.

“Rwand🃏a is currently occupying a large part of the eastern part of the Dem༺ocratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with its proxy the M23, displacing over 700,000 Congolese citizens. 

“While I applaud Formula 1’s desire to host a grand prix in Afric🃏a, 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-sta🃏ined association with Rwanda? Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?

The UN has disputed denials from Rwan🧜🎐da that its forces are supporting the M23 rebels in the DRC.

Rwanda announc✨ed in December that it ཧis bidding to host a grand prix as F1 looks to return to Africa.

The country’s president Paul Kagame conf💝irmed talks with F1 about a race near the new Bugesera airport outside Kigali ahead of the FIA’s prize giving gala which was hosted in the country.

F1 has not raced in Africa since 1993, when🧜 the South African Grand Prix was staged in Kyalami.

Responding to the warning, an F1 spokesperson said: "We have received requests from multiple locat🐠ions around the world that wish to host a future F1 race.

"We assess any potential request in detail and any future decisions w💝ould be based on the full information and what is in✱ the best interests of our sport and our values."