Malian singer detained in Belgium in child custody row
3 min read
Malian singer Rokia Traoré, one of Africa’s most famous musicians, is reportedly in custody in Belgium following a long-running child custody dispute. The 50-year-old artist is being detained after her extradition from Italy, where she was arrested over an outstanding two-year prison sentence related to parental abduction charges, according to AFP.
The dispute dates back to 2020 when Traoré was first arrested in France on a Belgian arrest warrant. She had failed to comply with a court order to return her daughter to her Belgian father, Jan Goossens. The legal saga began when Traoré, who had been living in France at the time, was ordered to hand over custody of her daughter, who was four years old at the time. Traoré, however, defied the ruling, leading to her arrest and subsequent release. Months later, despite a travel ban preventing her from leaving France, she flew to Mali on a private plane.
In October 2022, Traoré was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison by a Belgian court for “failing to hand over a child to the person entitled to custody.” This charge of parental abduction stemmed from her refusal to return her daughter to Goossens, her former partner, despite legal obligations. The singer’s defiance continued as her daughter, now nine years old, remained in Mali since the age of four, while Goossens reportedly had no contact with his daughter during this time.
The situation escalated in June 2023, when Traoré was detained at Fiumicino Airport in Rome while traveling for a concert. This arrest was triggered by the European arrest warrant that had been issued for her, related to the custody issue. In August, an Italian court approved her extradition to Belgium, rejecting an appeal from the singer. Subsequently, Traoré was extradited and has been in Belgian custody since her arrest.
Her lawyer, Vincent Lurquin, confirmed that Traoré plans to appeal the two-year prison sentence. He suggested that both parties, including Goossens, were working toward a resolution “in the interests of the child,” with hopes of avoiding further legal battles. A new trial could be triggered by the appeal, though Belgian authorities have stated that Traoré will remain in detention throughout the process.
The custody dispute has garnered significant attention in Mali, where the singer has substantial support. The Malian government had previously intervened on her behalf, claiming that she was traveling with a diplomatic passport when she was first arrested in 2020. Despite this, the legal system in Belgium has continued to pursue the case, emphasizing the legal obligations related to the custody arrangement.
Traoré, renowned for her contributions to music and her activism, has won several prestigious awards throughout her career. She received the BBC Award for World Music in 2004 and was honored with the 2009 World Music Album of the Year award at the Victoires de la Musique, France’s equivalent of the Grammys. In addition to her musical success, she is a vocal advocate for refugees. In 2015, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, working on behalf of displaced people in West and Central Africa.
The case has sparked broader discussions about international custody disputes, the rights of parents, and the role of governments in resolving such issues. As Traoré faces further legal proceedings, the future of her relationship with her daughter and the resolution of the custody battle remain uncertain. Both Traoré and Goossens are said to be open to finding a solution that is in the best interests of their child, but the legal complexities surrounding the case continue to make it a difficult and contentious matter.
For now, Rokia Traoré’s detention in Belgium stands as a reminder of the challenging intersection of international law, personal relationships, and the rights of parents. As the case moves through the courts, the singer’s supporters hope for a fair resolution, while her legal team works to secure her release and prevent a lengthy prison sentence.
About The Author
