Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has cancelled her upcoming concert in Kigali, Rwanda, citing concerns over the country’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has been waging an offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The announcement comes amid international condemnation of Rwanda’s reported backing of M23, which recently seized the city of Goma, a strategic hub in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.
Tems Apologizes, Expresses Solidarity
Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, made the decision public in a post on X, stating that she was unaware of the ongoing conflict when she initially promoted the March 22 show at BK Arena in Kigali.
“I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologize if this came across that way,” she wrote.
“I simply had no idea this was going on. My heart goes out to those affected.”
The decision follows heightened tensions in the region, with M23 leaders vowing to advance towards the DRC capital, Kinshasa.
Global Pressure Mounts on Rwanda
The UK government announced on Thursday that it is considering a review of British aid to Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the crisis.
DR Congo has long accused Rwanda of supporting M23 in an effort to exploit the region’s vast mineral resources. A July 2024 UN report backed these claims, stating that thousands of Rwandan troops were present in eastern DRC, exerting “de facto control” over M23 operations.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied the accusations, with President Paul Kagame insisting that the conflict cannot end until the FDLR, a DRC-based group linked to Hutu extremists behind the 1994 Rwandan genocide, is dismantled. However, he has never directly admitted to any military involvement in DRC.
Tems’ cancellation underscores the growing cultural and diplomatic fallout from the crisis, as pressure mounts on Rwanda to withdraw its alleged support for the rebel group.
