Liputa Fashion Week: Illuminating Goma with a Message of Peace Through Fashion

 

 

Liputa Fashion Week, a vibrant celebration of African fashion, once again took center stage in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that continues to face the harsh realities of ongoing conflict. The 2024 10th edition of the event served as a powerful testament to the role of culture in fostering peace and social cohesion, uniting designers, models, and artists from eight different countries.

 

In stark contrast to the violence that has plagued eastern Congo for decades—fueled by armed groups vying for control of the region’s mineral wealth—Liputa Fashion Week emerged as a symbol of resilience. It highlighted the unifying power of African fashion, offering a glimmer of hope amidst adversity.

 

 

This year’s event carried a profound message, emphasizing the transformative potential of culture. Organizers sought to demonstrate how fashion and artistic expression can serve as powerful tools for promoting peace and social unity.

 

Senegalese designer Pape Songhé Diouf, known as Papino Creations, echoed this vision. “Africa can build itself up,” he stated. “And this can only be achieved through culture. Here in Goma, you have your culture. In Senegal, we have ours. Rwanda, Burundi—each has its own. If we unite our cultures, I believe we can achieve peace everywhere, across Africa.”

 

 

Liputa Fashion Week transcended borders, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural diversity. David Gulu, a key organizer, emphasized the significance of this year’s edition: “We want our message to be heard by the international community. We live in Goma, and we want positivity to prevail in our city. Despite the challenges we face, we remain resilient. We continue to hold this event to show that we do not give up. We want peace to return, and we aim to develop our Congolese fashion industry. We also want our place in the global fashion world.”

 

 

The enthusiasm for the event was palpable among attendees like Fiston Kheta, a Goma resident. “We weren’t scared,” he said, acknowledging the city’s security challenges. “It’s true, the enemy is at the door of Goma. But that doesn’t matter. We must defend ourselves and make the most of the time we have while we are alive.”

 

 

The event unfolded against the backdrop of a fragile and evolving conflict. While a recent ceasefire brought cautious optimism, reports of violence persist, with both government forces and rebel groups contributing to the instability. Internally displaced people in the region have expressed concerns about the lack of aid reaching them, despite the truce.

 

 

Despite these challenges, Liputa Fashion Week stands as a beacon of hope. It is a powerful reminder of the unifying force of culture and the indomitable spirit of the Congolese people. As the event concluded successfully, its message of peace and resilience resonated far beyond Goma, inspiring optimism for a brighter future.

 

For more updates on the creative world of art and design, explore our fashion column.