Paris, France – March 27, 2025 – Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has urged city police to halt the upcoming concert of French-Congolese musician Maitre Gims, scheduled for April 7 at the Accor Arena, citing concerns over its "ill-chosen" timing and potential public order risks.
In a statement released on March 25, the City of Paris emphasized that the concert’s date coincides with the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, making it a highly sensitive occasion. The decision follows appeals from Rwandan officials and genocide survivor groups, who raised alarms about the event’s implications.
Rwandan Community Voices Concerns
Rwandan Ambassador to France François Nkulikiyimfura, alongside Marcel Kabanda (President of Ibuka France), Christophe Renzaho (President of the Rwandan Community in France), and Tubeho Family (a survivors’ association), had previously alerted Mayor Hidalgo, questioning why the artist chose April 7 for his "Solidarity Congo" charity concert.
While the concert’s stated aim is to support child victims of the conflict in eastern Congo, the Rwandan Community in France (CRF) argues that the event could instead inflame tensions. The city’s statement noted that "given existing tensions between Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris—stemming from the Great Lakes region’s instability—as well as Holocaust denial remarks by some artists involved, this concert risks disturbing public order."
Accusations Against Maitre Gims
Maitre Gims, a high-profile Congolese-origin artist, has faced accusations of promoting anti-Rwanda rhetoric and hate speech against the Tutsi community. His concert comes amid reports of persecution of Congolese Tutsi by groups like the FDLR, a militia linked to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
The City of Paris highlighted that "hateful exchanges on social media" surrounding the concert reinforced the need for cancellation.
UNICEF Distances Itself
Initially, organizers pledged to donate proceeds to UNICEF for Congolese children. However, the UN agency publicly refused involvement, stating:
"UNICEF will not receive any proceeds from the event, and no person associated with UNICEF is part of the concert."
What’s Next?
As of now, the concert remains scheduled, but Paris police could enforce the mayor’s request. The controversy underscores deep-seated tensions in France’s African diaspora communities, particularly amid ongoing conflict in the DR Congo and Rwanda.
