A planned concert in France has sparked intense backlash for coinciding with the commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi on April 7, 2025. Organized by figures accused of genocide denial, the event is set to take place at Accor Arena, with sponsorship from Skyrock FM and other partners. Critics, particularly in Rwanda, are calling it a direct insult and a deliberate attempt to rewrite history.
Concerns escalated after UNICEF was mentioned as a potential partner, and the UN agency has yet to deny its involvement. This has raised questions about its association with an event that many see as a blatant act of genocide denial. The UN, which will lower its flags to half-mast worldwide on the same day to honor the memory of the victims, now faces accusations of contradicting its own stance.
A well-known Rwandan genocide scholar denounced the event, stating, “This is a well-orchestrated denial of the genocide against the Tutsi. French authorities should not allow this to happen—they are more informed and knowledgeable about this history than any other country after Rwanda.” Many Rwandans see the concert as an immoral provocation, designed to undermine the significance of the commemoration.
The controversy is further fueled by the participation of Congolese-French artist GIMS, who has faced accusations of anti-Tutsi rhetoric. In his latest Netflix documentary, he is heard stating at the 52-minute mark: “You don’t calm a Tutsi with orange juice.” The statement has been widely condemned as inflammatory, reinforcing suspicions about the event’s true intentions.
Adding to the outrage is the concert’s scheduling. Traditionally, concerts in France are held on weekends when audiences are more available, yet this event is set for a Monday—a move critics interpret as a calculated attempt to trivialize the genocide commemoration.
The event is being promoted as a fundraiser for children in eastern DRC. However, critics argue that this justification is misleading. Many note that the region is now secured by the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC/M23), allowing displaced families to return home. They believe the concert’s real aim is to rehabilitate perpetrators of past atrocities while demonizing their victims and those who stood up to protect them.
Finally, speculation surrounds UNICEF’s potential involvement. The organization has faced severe funding cuts, particularly following budget reductions by figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Some question whether financial desperation has led UNICEF to align itself with an event that many see as morally reprehensible.
With growing outrage on social media, calls for protests and boycotts are intensifying. As the commemoration date approaches, pressure is mounting on the French government, the UN, and UNICEF to take a clear stance on an event that many view as an outright provocation against genocide survivors and historical truth.