African singers face legal trials over financial and military allegations

Senegalese singer Aby Ndour was indicted by a Dakar court on accusations of abuse of corporate assets and obstruction of trade involving an alleged 420 million CFA that was not reflected in the accounts of her restaurant company Aby’s Garden. The investigation follows a series of complaints by former business partner Babacar Athie, who also faced a prior conviction for destroying company cheques. Ndour was placed under provisional release after the hearing.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, singer Deborah Tshimpaka Mulanga, known as Rebo Tchulo, is being tried before a military tribunal in Kinshasa after a civil party representing victim Platini Kasaï Sadisa demanded US$250,000 in damages. Prosecutors allege that the artist incited members of the FARDC to commit violent acts, a claim stemming from a viral video showing a young man beaten by soldiers. Thirteen soldiers are also facing charges, with four currently at large.

Both cases have drawn attention from the legal and cultural sectors in their respective countries, highlighting the scrutiny faced by public figures in financial and security‑related matters.