Mel B blasted for 'misleading' Christmas trip to stay with controversial Rwanda president

EX-SPICE GIRL Mel B has caused a storm by revealing her plans to stay with Rwanda president Paul Kagame over Christmas.

ROW: Human rights group have questioned Mel B's trip to stay with Rwanda president Paul Kagame [WENN/ GETTY]

Human rights groups have questioned the singer's trip to the African country, to stay with its controversial head of state.

They claim star's jaunt could "trivialise" the situation in Rwanda, as well as providing a "misleading message" with regards to Kagame's regime.

Kagame was recently accused of funding rebel groups, claimed to be responsible for rapes and killings in the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As a result, the UK government followed other donor countries in suspending aid payments to Rwanda.

Kagame, 56, has also been criticised for shutting down opposition groups since coming to power in 2000.

BIZARRE: Mel B wants to see TIGERS and BEARS in Africa [WENN]

“By giving the impression Rwanda is a simple and straightforward place to visit is a misleading message”

Carina Tertsakian, a senior researcher on Rwanda for Human Rights Watch

Mel B is making the trip to stay with Kagame, having become friendly with his son and daughter in New York.

The America's Got Talent judge told the Mirror: "We’ve got this amazing trip planned and we’re staying with the ­president, Paul Kagame.

“I know his son and daughter because they live in New York and they’re adorable people. They invited us out there.

She added: "I said to the kids do you want to go to Africa and see lions, tigers and bears, or stay at home and watch TV all day? It was a no brainer.”

CLAIM: Kagame has been accused of ruling 'in a very oppressive manner' [PA]

As well as pointing out there are NO tigers or bears in Rwanda, a human rights campaigner urged the 38-year-old to consider concerns about the country's ruler.

"If she goes she should be aware of the complexity of the country," said Carina Tertsakian, a senior researcher on Rwanda for Human Rights Watch.

"It is only just coming out of one of the most dramatic and horrific events in history.

"This sort of thing trivialises the situation, not only with regards to the genocide but also the current situation in Rwanda.

"Kagame should take some credit for leading Rwanda out of the genocide era. But he has since ruled in a very oppressive manner."

She added: "By giving the impression Rwanda is a simple and straightforward place to visit is a misleading message."