Liputa Fashion Week, a vibrant celebration of African fashion, has once again taken center stage in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) grappling with the harsh realities of ongoing conflict. The 2024 10th edition served as a powerful testament to the potential of culture to foster peace and social cohesion, bringing together designers, models, and artists from eight different countries.
The annual Liputa Fashion Week stands in stark contrast to the violence that has plagued eastern Congo for decades. Armed groups vying for control of the region’s rich mineral resources have caused immense displacement and human suffering. Yet, amidst this adversity, Liputa emerges as a symbol of resilience, showcasing the unifying power of African fashion.
LIPUTA: A MESSAGE FOR DRC
The event carried a particularly strong message. Organizers aimed to highlight the transformative potential of culture, emphasizing how fashion, and artistic expression more broadly, can serve as powerful vectors for peace and social cohesion.
Senegalese designer Pape Songhé Diouf, known as Papino Creations, echoed this sentiment. “I always say, Africa can build itself up,” he declared. “And this can only be done through culture. Here in Goma you have your culture. We in Senegal have our culture. Rwanda the same thing, Burundi the same thing. If we unite our culture I think we will have peace everywhere, everywhere in Africa.”
Liputa Fashion Week transcended national borders, fostering a vibrant display of cultural diversity. David Gulu, a key organizer, underscored the significance of this year’s edition: “We are waiting for our message to be heard, listened to by the international community. We are in the city of Goma, we live here, we want positivity to continue to reign in our city. This is why we continue to hold this, to show that despite what we have suffered, we do not give up and we remain resilient. We want peace to return and we want to develop our industry of Congolese fashion. We also want our place in the international fashion world.”
THE FASHION SHOW
The enthusiasm resonated with Fiston Kheta, a Goma resident who attended the event. “We weren’t scared,” he remarked, acknowledging the ever-present security challenges. “It’s true, the enemy is at the door of the city of Goma. But that doesn’t matter. We have to defend ourselves, we have to take advantage of the time when we are here, alive.”
Liputa Fashion Week unfolded against the backdrop of a complex and evolving conflict. While a recent ceasefire was met with cautious optimism by the UN and international governments, reports of violence continue from both government forces and rebel groups. The situation remains fragile, with internally displaced people in the region expressing concerns about the lack of aid reaching them despite the truce.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Liputa Fashion Week stands as a beacon of hope. It serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of culture and the unwavering spirit of the Congolese people. As the event successfully concluded, its message of peace and resilience reverberated far beyond Goma, inspiring a renewed sense of optimism for a brighter future.
Checkout our fashion column for more news on the creative world of art and design.
