Although it was not previously first instinct to Tems that fathoming a Kigali, Rwanda performance when the intended host all the while had found itself, sometimes deliberately, woven into a forever conflict with its eastern neighbour the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was ill-judged, the Nigerian singer and Grammys winner finally woke up to it, hence her Born in the Wild show, initially designated to happen towards the ending of March would not go on as planned and there comes a country’s avenue for tourism through arts coming under threat because of its doings.

Tems’ tweet via her X profile on Thursday 30 January 2025 confirmed an error that needed to be forgiven because she hadn’t really been paying attention to the Eastern Africa dynamics from a political prism. So I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realising that there is [an] ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo, says the 67th GRAMMY Awards nominee in the Best Global Music Album category.

For promoting a show set to be held in a country supporting militia attacks targeting another, she said that 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. Conflict is no joke and I truly hope and pray for peace in this time.

Reactions to Tems’ post generally drew familiar criticisms over why her management didn’t earlier spot that planning a music event at 10,000 capacity indoor BK Arena in Kigali wasn’t good for public relations but she won’t be faulted for not going through with it considering cited reasons.

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It is a fact that Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame who has been in power since 2000 sees tourist visits as one of the sites through which his country can realise full self-sufficiency. Positive personality and neighbourliness both matter as the Nigerian singer’s cancellation has shown.

United Nations observers as well as regional stakeholders are wary of Rwanda’s support for Tutsi-led March 23 Movement (M23) rebels who are currently said to violate DRC’s sovereignty.

The fighters this week claimed that they have taken over the city of Goma which is the largest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province. They reportedly want the Congolese Army formation who remain bent on resisting the incursion happening on their territory to surrender and report at a stadium.

In Goma, it is thought that there are vital mineral deposits like gold, tin and coltan, making the attraction for endless domination by a militia very much attractive. DRC has had help from international groups like the UN mission to the DRC (MONUSCO) and the South African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC but casualties have been made of the peacekeepers, particularly those from South Africa.

On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa voiced out the recent deaths of his country’s soldiers killed by M23 fighters, captured in a march through Congo on social media platforms.

A total of 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace have died according to Mr Ramaphosa. The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).

On behalf of the government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honour of their heroic and gallant fight for peace. We honour and mourn them.

International backlash over this developing story includes potential aid cuts from countries like Germany and the UK, and that could severely impact Rwanda’s economy. The ongoing conflict also risks destabilising the region further, leading to increased violence and displacement of people, which would deter tourists and investors alike.

The signs are already showing. For the moment, it is only as basic as a potential 2025 GRAMMYs winner Tems pulling the plug on her intended performance at the Land of the Thousand Hills.

Perhaps reverting to a rules-based international order might save the tourist destination Rwanda from falling out of grace, but will the decision come soon enough?