Tems has decided to cancel her upcoming in Kigali, Rwanda due to the escalating tension between Rwanda and the DRC. Image: Tems shared via X @temsbaby.
The cancellation coincides with rising tensions in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has strengthened its attacks and taken control of strategic areas, including Goma. The DRC government and foreign observers have accused Rwanda of aiding the M23 group; however, Rwanda has denied the accusations.
Tems took to her X page to express her deepest regrets for not being aware of the conflict. She stated that during the time when she promoted her upcoming performance in Rwanda, she was not aware of the Rwanda-DRC conflict, and for that, she apologises. She further wrote that it was never her intention to be “insensitive to real-world issues,” while also expressing her deepest sympathies to those impacted by the conflict, stating that she hopes and prays for “peace in this time.”
Her decision to cancel was met with mixed emotions from her fans and critics. While others hailed her for being a “true Pan-Africanist,” others urged her to take her concert to the DRC instead. Some of Tems’ fans in Rwanda expressed their dissatisfaction, with others requesting reimbursements for those who had already bought their tickets.
Meanwhile, others did not believe that she was not aware of the conflict. They questioned her lack of knowledge on the regional conflict, claiming that it is not possible for her, a “well-established artist,” and her entire team to not be abreast of global news.
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