Nearly 1,200 people have already signed a petition calling for the suspension of Koffi Olomide’s concert in Kigali. Since last week, social media has been buzzing for days with anti-social activists calling for the show to be put off at the Kigali Arena.
Women rights activists and others in Rwanda are demanding that the concert featuring Congolese music star should be cancelled over the rape and sexual assault charges he is facing in a French court.
On social media platforms like twitter, a hashtage” #CancelKoffiKigaliConcert ASAP” is trending. Juliette Karitanyi, an activist in Kigali said that allowing Olomide to perform in Rwanda would be “disrespectful to sexual violence victims”.
Others like Denis Rodman say that there seems to be confusion about law and morals. Obviously can’t charge Koffi for his crimes but you are allowed to take a moral stance. Saying you are not in the position is a lie. In this case, you have chosen to do the immoral thing.
Meanwhile, a court in Paris is due to rule next month on his appeal against being found guilty of assaulting four of his dancers.
The company that organized the Koffi Olomide concert in Kigali has released a statement saying that it was not in a position to comment on the artist’s allegations, but promised a “sweet concert” on Saturday.
Bruce Intore, head of Intore Entertainment in his statement underlines, “This could be resolved by the relevant authorities, including the courts and others. We respect the views and rights of those who see things differently for this artist.”
