Asaph L. Wenda, Democratic Republic of the Congo

“Being an indigenous Pygmy of Congo is both a privilege and a responsibility: in pain and in blood. We have always retained our essential indigenous Congolese identity! Congo Pygmies are among central Africa’s oldest indigenous peoples. The Mbuti, the Baka, and the Batwa peoples are the indigenous peoples of The Democratic Republic of Congo. Whilst the indigenous peoples are acknowledged by the government, the Mbuti, Baka and Batwa peoples remain challenged regarding their ancestral lands and natural resources. We have experienced ethnic conflicts and the violation of human rights. In the DRC there is no law or policy for the promotion, and protection of indigenous pygmies’ rights. The Pygmy Aboriginal Youth is our future, and they require a change in our country.

I have chosen the projected photo of the cemetery of innocents who were slaughtered by troops on 24 of August 1998. The date is internationally known as the massacre of Kasika. More than two thousand civilians were killed when rebel forces attacked local villagers, whom they suspected of supporting pro-government militia. On that night, Mwami François Mubeza III, traditional leader of Kasika, was killed together with the members of the royal court and a number of Catholic sisters and priests. Some were burned alive, others were tortured and mutilated with machetes. Kasika’s women were targeted with rape and sexual violence, which was used as a weapon to spread terror and destroy community ties. We will never forget the Kasika massacres.”