Liputa Fashion Week: A Beacon of Peace in Goma
In the conflict-ridden city of Goma, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, designers, models, and artists gathered on Friday for a fashion show promoting peace.
This year’s Liputa Fashion Week has emerged as a symbol of resilience and harmony.
The event’s organizers delivered a powerful message: fashion and culture can be potent forces for peace and social cohesion. “When we talk about culture, we talk about fashion. Through this show, we will spread the message of peace, not just for Congo, but for Africa and the world,” said Senegalese designer Pape Songhé Diouf.
The 10th edition of Liputa Fashion Week brought together creators from eight countries, including the DRC, Senegal, the United States, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire. The annual event aims to promote the African fashion industry.
“I always say that Africa can build itself, and it can only be done through culture. Here in Goma, you have your culture. We in Senegal have our culture. In Rwanda, it’s the same, in Burundi, it’s the same. If we unite our cultures, I think we will have peace everywhere in Africa. Here, there are no politicians, no one else. We are artists, young Africans together,” added Pape Songhé Diouf.
Despite security challenges, the creators and organizers were thrilled to see young people mobilizing for culture. “We hope our message is heard by the international community. We live in Goma; we want positivity to continue in our city. That’s why we keep organizing this event, to show that despite what we’ve been through, we don’t give up and remain resilient. We want peace to return and to develop our Congolese fashion industry. We also want our place in the international fashion world,” explained David Gulu, organizer of Liputa Fashion Week.
A recent ceasefire, praised by the United Nations and several international governments, including the United States, was extended until August 3rd. The U.S. urged all parties to “respect the truce.”
Source: africanews
