Malian Singer Detained in Italy Over Child Custody Dispute

Rokia Traore, the acclaimed Malian singer, was scheduled to perform at the Rome Colosseum on Sunday (Jun. 23) but was apprehended prior to the event, resulting in its cancellation.

The singer, along with Belgian playwright Jan Goosens, has pursued legal action in France, Mali, and Belgium in order to secure full custody of their daughter.

Verdicts from various courts have reportedly granted custody to either party.

Last year, a Belgian court determined that Traoré had failed to deliver the child to the rightful custodian.

Following her arrest in Paris in 2020 on a European arrest warrant, Traore disregarded a travel ban from France.

Since encountering legal issues, Rokia Traoré, who resides in Mali with her child, has performed less frequently in Europe.