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Summary
Tems has cancelled her Kigali concert over Rwanda’s reported support for M23 rebels in the ongoing DR Congo conflict and apologised for initially promoting the show without awareness of the geopolitical tensions.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has announced the cancellation of her upcoming concert in Kigali, Rwanda, due to the country’s reported involvement in the ongoing conflict between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The concert, part of her Born in the Wild tour, was scheduled to take place at BK Arena on March 22, 2025. However, in a statement on January 30, Tems expressed regret over initially promoting the event without being aware of the geopolitical tensions in the region.
Taking to her X handle, the singer wrote:
“So I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realising that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo. I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologise if this came across that way. I simply had no idea this was going on. My heart goes out to those affected.”
She further emphasised her stance on the crisis, stating:
“Conflict is no joke, and I truly hope and pray for peace at this time.”
Her decision comes amid intensifying clashes in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels seized control of Goma, the largest city in the region, earlier this week. The rebel group has since vowed to continue advancing towards Kinshasa, escalating fears of a broader conflict.
The situation has drawn international condemnation, with the UK government announcing that it is reviewing British aid to Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebels.
The Congolese government has long accused Rwanda of backing M23 to gain control over the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC. A July 2024 United Nations report supported these claims, stating that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops in eastern Congo and exercices “de facto control” over the rebel group.
