Albinism awareness initiatives continue to flourish in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sixth edition of the “Proudly Ndundu” festival has just ended in Kinshasa, with the aim of promoting tolerance and valuing difference. The coordination of the ASBL “Plus de couleurs”, Yan Mambo, launched this initiative in order to make people with albinism aware of accepting their identity.
At the G-Suite Selfie photographic museum, participants were treated to a photo session to immortalize the highlights of this edition. The second day of the event was marked by a scientific and artistic conference held at the Center Wallonie Bruxelles, on the occasion of the International Albinism Awareness Day. The evening of that same day was devoted to the presentation of the Doctor Kabasele, Ilunga “Belgian Police” and Texas Mwimba prizes.
The festival was also an opportunity for the entire community of albinos in Kinshasa to award the prize for youth mentoring to Yan Mambo, known as “Ours blanc”. This Dr. Kabasele prize was awarded posthumously to his son, while several organizations and personalities were also rewarded, such as the Fally Ipupa Foundation represented by Mr. Patty Nsaraza; The Gégé Kizubanata Foundation, the artist Marshall Dixon for highlighting albino women in his music videos, etc.
The ILUNGA Belgian Police prizes were awarded to several beneficiaries such as: Aziza Furaha, Marie France Tshiapakatshi, Rachel Itindi, Julio le votre (Singer), Clarisse Mayemba from the Mwimba Texas foundation, Eric Mukenge, Dr Daniel KABONGO, etc. As for the Mwimba Texas prize, the winners are: Nestor Kusa Kusa (Director), Journalist Mons Monsheju, Model Bertyna Saya, Magistrate Samuel David Mulumba, Pastor Karel Mukenge, Influencer Kevina Balekomape, Comedian Marc Olivier Kalonji , Visual artist Chny Bope, DJ Mycksoft.
Through this sixth edition of “Proudly Ndundu”, Yan Mambo hopes to continue to change mentalities and fight against the discrimination faced by people with albinism in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At other times, we see that community conflicts, insecurity and the health crisis are themes that divide the Congolese. Indeed, the security situation in eastern DRC is of concern to the secretary general of the ACH, while the Congolese National Congress aims to rank among the most representative political parties in the country. The problems of violence and child labor were also denounced, as was the imminent end of MONUSCO in the DRC, a historic step in a fragile situation.
Political movements such as REPOP are trying to redefine the country’s politics. Movements such as the M23 are, for their part, flowing a lot of ink. Indeed, supported by Rwanda, the M23 is accused of multiple rapes and abuses according to Human Rights Watch.
In a completely different register, in Butembo, the launch of an environmental week to fight against plastic pollution has just been announced.