"Conflict is No Joke" – Tems Cancels Kigali Concert Over Rwanda-DR Congo Crisis

"Conflict is No Joke" – Tems Cancels Kigali Concert Over Rwanda-DR Congo Crisis-OXYGIST

Nigerian singer Tems has cancelled her scheduled concert in Kigali, Rwanda, citing the country’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which is actively waging an offensive in eastern DR Congo.


The Grammy-winning artist made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing regret for unknowingly promoting the event amid rising tensions between the two nations.


"I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realizing that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo. I never intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologize if this came across that way. I simply had no idea this was going on. My heart goes out to those affected. Conflict is no joke, and I truly hope and pray for peace in this time."


Tems was set to perform at BK Arena in Kigali on March 22 before making the decision to cancel. Her announcement follows global criticism of Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the M23 insurgency, which escalated after rebel forces seized control of Goma, a key city in DR Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region.


Tensions heightened as M23 leaders vowed to “continue the march of liberation all the way” to DR Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. In response, the UK government has announced a possible review of its aid to Rwanda, citing concerns over the country's role in the crisis.


The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 to exploit the region’s mineral wealth—a claim backed by a UN report from July, which found that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops in eastern DR Congo and maintains “de facto control” over the rebel group.


Rwanda, however, has consistently denied these allegations. President Paul Kagame has dismissed claims of direct military involvement but insists that the ongoing violence cannot end until the FDLR, a Congolese-based Hutu militia with ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, is eliminated. 


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