Clarisse Reblogs

Fashion in the DRC and The Rules of Sapology

Media Diversified

FASHION IN THE DRC

by Angela Inniss

Bold, Bright and Brilliant; just a few words to describe the stunning prints and fabrics used in creating Congolese fashion.

(Picture by Lisa Clarke) (Picture by Lisa Clarke)

Unlike Western trends, Congolese styles are created to stand out from the crowd, making use of both vibrant hues and striking prints, reflecting African culture.

Traditionally,Congolese clothing is centred on the wearing of colourful materials referred to as ‘Liputa’. These types of fabrics are worn by both men and women, and can more often than not be found at the local market.  They are usually cut into strips from two to six yards in length, and to complete the look are typically worn with a complementing headscarf.

‘Liputa’ are sometimes also designed for different purposes, and aimed at certain audiences, for example paying tribute to a leader, marking a special occasion or at a sporting event.

SAPOLOGY

Moving…

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Clarisse Reblogs

2004 Gatumba Massacre: An Isolated Case?

The Eastern Congo Tribune

Rwasa Agathon & Burnt Gatumba refugee camp Rwasa Agathon & Burnt Gatumba refugee camp

It is now a decade since the Gatumba massacre had happened in Burundi. Gatumba is a few miles from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uvira-Kiliba borders. The massacre was carried out on the night of 13-14/08/2004, within a refugee camp, roughly targeting one ethnic community group, Banyamulenge. For a total of 800 refugees, 166 were gunshot, burn under tents and 106 were seriously injured. While living in Uvira and Bukavu, most of these refugees fled to Burundi fearing over their lives. In between the period of 2003-2004, the socio-security context in Eastern part of DRC, especially Uvira-Bukavu, was so explosive, partly due to the confrontation within the transitional government. The transitional government parties were striving to have a hand on these cities, previously controlled by the Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassembelement Congolais pour la Démocratie); hence assuring forthcoming phases…

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