UCI remains firm on hosting the 2025 Road World Championships in Rwanda despite European Parliament pressure linked to Rwanda’s alleged support for rebel forces in the DRC. UCI’s president emphasized the significance of the event for Africa and dismissed political influences. Amid ongoing conflict and accusations against Rwanda, concerns over safety have led a World Tour team to withdraw from the “Tour du Rwanda.” The championships are scheduled for September 21-28, 2025, in Kigali.
UCI Sticks with Rwanda for Road World Championships 2025
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is committed to hosting the Road World Championships in Rwanda in 2025, despite mounting pressure from the European Parliament. Lawmakers are calling for the country to lose its hosting rights if it continues its support for rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This controversy has led to a World Tour team refraining from sending its riders to the ongoing events due to security concerns.
Political Tensions and the Future of Cycling in Rwanda
During an interview with ‘cyclingsnews.com’, UCI’s president emphasized the lack of a backup plan, stating, “There is no Plan B.” He expressed his aspiration to hold a world championship for the first time on African soil, especially significant in the year marking UCI’s 125th anniversary. He believes that sports should remain impartial and free from political influences.
However, the European Parliament has voiced strong objections, urging the cancellation of the Kigali championships if Rwanda does not alter its course. The world championship events are slated for September 21-28, 2025, in the Rwandan capital.
In its resolution, the European Parliament accuses Rwanda of backing the “M23” rebel group, which has been engaged in a violent conflict against the DRC military. This conflict has resulted in approximately 3,000 fatalities, numerous sexual assaults, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands in the resource-rich region near Goma.
The “M23” has been a persistent force in eastern Congo for over a decade, with a complex web of neighboring countries involved in the turmoil. Goma, a city with around two million residents, is located near Rwanda, which is believed to have influence over the rebel group according to a United Nations report.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has maintained power for three decades, denies any support for these rebels while working to enhance Rwanda’s global image and tourism appeal following the 1994 genocide that claimed countless lives.
The “Visit Rwanda” campaign gained traction in Europe, particularly after prominent football clubs, including FC Bayern Munich, featured the slogan on their jerseys. This partnership has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, with DRC’s foreign minister accusing the clubs of complicity due to their financial ties with Rwanda.
In light of the ongoing conflict, the DRC has urged FC Bayern to reconsider its sponsorship deal with Rwanda, labeling it “blood-stained.” The club has indicated plans to send representatives to Rwanda to assess the situation firsthand.
Rwanda has received approximately 100 million euros from Germany in development aid from 2022 to 2024 and is investing significantly in sports initiatives, raising concerns about potential “sportswashing.” The country is also making strides toward hosting Formula 1 races, with Kagame announcing plans for events in Kigali.
The “Tour du Rwanda,” a significant cycling event, is currently underway, covering over 800 kilometers from February 23 to March 2. The Belgian World Tour team ‘Soudal – Quick Step’ intended to participate but withdrew due to safety issues, as parts of the race course are dangerously close to rebel activity. Team CEO Jürgen expressed disappointment, highlighting that safety should take precedence over competition.