After two years of absence, the “Proudly Ndundu” festival is back in Kinshasa for its 6th edition from June 12 to 13 under the theme “SUCH AS YOU ARE”. This year, the event is marked by the creation of three prizes which will be awarded to albino and non-albino people who work for the cause of albinos. This initiative comes from the ASBL “Plus de couleurs” directed by Yan Mambo Kasongo, which aims to mix the differences in color of a skin in a community and bring them together in perfect harmony.
Indeed, the purpose of the “Proudly Ndundu” event is above all to push the person with albinism to accept their identity as it is, without shame or complex. A major victory for Kasongo who, a few years ago, considered the use of the word “ndundu” as an insult to people with albinism. Today, most of them assume themselves as they are and are proud to be called Ndundu.
However, Yan Mambo Kasongo’s initiative is not simply festive. It has an important social and political context. People with albinism are often discriminated against and victims of violence in the DRC and in other African countries. For example, the confidential CIA report reveals that East Africa plays a role in the balkanization of the DRC, despite criticism. Moreover, according to the governor of the province of Lituri, the armed groups continue to chain attacks and killings in the North Kivu region.
The return of the “Proudly Ndundu” festival is a strong message that advocates tolerance and the fight against discrimination. This demonstration is part of a dynamic of change in the Congo and perhaps, little by little, the DRC will manage to break with the stereotypes and the violence that shatters the hopes and lives of many people with albinism.