Congolese singer Koffi Olomide banned from performing in Zambia

The Zambian government has banned Congolese singer Koffi Olomide from performing in the country due to several allegations levelled against him.

Olomide’s charges include sexually assaulting his dancers, kidnapping them and employing them without valid permits in France.

Olomide was due to hold two shows in Zambia this month. The ban follows an appeal by the French embassy in Zambia, which requested local authorities to arrest Olomide if he travelled to the country.

The appeal has been hailed by Zambian officials, through the minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili. The minister told local media that the singer would be arrested upon arrival.

Olomide’s ban was also welcomed by the Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL), which said the singer should clear his name before performing in the country.