Fashion Show Brings Hope to War-Torn Eastern Congo

In the midst of a decades-long conflict, a group of designers, models, and artists gathered in Goma, eastern Congo, for a fashion show with a powerful message: fashion can be a powerful tool for peace and social cohesion.

The 10th edition of Liputa Fashion Week brought together designers from eight countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, the United States, Uganda, and Ivory Coast. The annual event aims to promote the African fashion industry and showcase the region’s cultural diversity.

Eastern Congo has been ravaged by violence and armed conflict, with several armed groups competing for control of mineral resources. The region has seen massive displacement and human losses. In this context, Liputa Fashion Week positions itself as a symbol of resilience and peace.

Pape Songhé Diouf, a designer from Senegal, emphasized the importance of culture in building a better future for Africa. “Africa can build itself up. And this can only be done through culture. If we unite our culture, I think we will have peace everywhere in Africa,” he said.

David Gulu, one of the organizers, highlighted the significance of this year’s event. “We are waiting for our message to be heard, listened to by the international community. We want positivity to continue to reign in our city, and we want to develop our industry of Congolese fashion.”

The fashion show was a celebration of cultural diversity, bringing together designers and artists from different African countries. Fiston Kheta, a local resident, expressed his satisfaction at seeing young people mobilize for culture despite security challenges. “We weren’t scared. We have to defend ourselves, we have to take advantage of the time when we are here, alive,” he said.

However, the conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in recent months, with reports of violence from both government forces and rebels continuing. A recent ceasefire has been welcomed by the UN and several international governments, but internally displaced people in one of the region’s largest refugee camps have questioned the usefulness of the truce if it doesn’t open up corridors for aid.

The two-week ceasefire, enacted on July 5, has been extended until August 3, a move welcomed by the United States, which has urged all actors to “respect the truce.”

As the fashion show came to a close, the message was clear: fashion can be a powerful tool for peace and social cohesion, and the people of eastern Congo are determined to build a brighter future despite the challenges they face.