Singer Tems Cancels Rwanda Show

• Grammy award-winning artist reacted to international criticism of Rwanda’s support for M23 group, which recently seized Goma in eastern Congo.

Nigerian artist and songwriter, Temilade Openiyi, who is professionally recognized as Tems, has declared the cancellation of her upcoming concert in Kigali. This decision stems from Rwanda’s support for the M23 armed group, which is actively involved in military operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to Gistlover, the Grammy award-winning musician made this choice in response to significant international condemnation of Rwanda’s endorsement of the M23 group, which has recently seized control of Goma in the resource-rich eastern area of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“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 apologize if this came across that way.

“I simply had no idea this was going on. My heart goes out to those affected,” the singer wrote on her X page on Friday.

Tems’ announcement follows closely on the heels of the M23 leaders’ declaration of their commitment to “continue the march of liberation all the way” to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as reported by Gistlover.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom government revealed that it is considering a review of its aid to Rwanda in light of the country’s involvement in the ongoing crisis.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of engaging in military operations aimed at exploiting the mineral resources of the region.

A report from UN experts in July supported these allegations, indicating that Rwanda has stationed thousands of troops in eastern DR Congo and maintains “de facto control” over the M23 group.

Rwanda has denied these accusations.

President Paul Kagame has repeatedly rejected any claims of military involvement, asserting that the conflict will continue until the DRC-based armed group, the FDLR, which was established by former Hutu leaders responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide, is dismantled.