INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT 2024

 

31 August 2024

Story: My Years in Russia: A True Story of Sofonie Dala 

On this International Day for People of African Descent, we honor the remarkable achievements and relentless dedication of individuals who have tirelessly fought for justice, equality, and recognition. Among these inspiring figures stands Sofonie Dala, a young African leader whose journey embodies the resilience and courage of people of African descent.

From a young age, Sofonie has been deeply committed to promoting human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Her path has not been easy. Growing up in Angola, Sofonie faced the harsh realities of systemic racism, social exclusion, and the lingering impacts of colonialism. Yet, she refused to be defined by these challenges. Instead, she transformed her experiences into a powerful force for change.

Sofonie's journey took her to Russia, where she encountered profound racial discrimination and witnessed the exploitation of African students. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, using her voice to raise awareness about the injustices faced by people of African descent. Her advocacy extended to South Africa, where she confronted xenophobia and the struggles of African migrants, and back to Angola, where she championed the rights of vulnerable communities, including indigenous women and migrants from Congo.

Through her unwavering dedication, Sofonie has become a beacon of hope for many. Her innovative initiatives, such as empowering women through education and addressing climate change, have had a profound impact on her community and beyond. She is not just a leader but a symbol of what can be achieved when one dares to dream and fights for a better world.

As we reflect on the contributions of people of African descent today, let us draw inspiration from Sofonie Dala’s story. Her life reminds us that true change is possible when we stand united against racism and discrimination. Together, we can build a world where equality, opportunity, and justice are not just aspirations but realities for all.

Sofonie Dala’s past and present endeavors showcase her exceptional ability to lead and execute programs that promote human rights. Her work continues to shine a light on the path toward a more just and inclusive future for people of African descent globally.

Breaking Barriers: The First African Woman to Host Russia's Navruz Party

In 2012, I became the first black woman and the first African to host the "Navruz Party," a Central Asian celebration held in the republics within Russia. By doing so, I paved the way for many other Africans, who were subsequently invited to present at similar events.

During our time in Russia, we made significant strides in showcasing our culture. We celebrated African festivals and the independence days of our home countries, singing, dancing, and sharing the rich traditions of Africa with others.

My Years in Russia: A True Story of Sofonie Dala

Hello everyone! I'm Sofonie Dala, and today I want to share a personal reflection on the International Day for People of African Descent, observed every August 31st. This day, established by the United Nations, honors the rich heritage and significant contributions of people of African descent.

As members of a unified human family, we must confront and eliminate the outdated stereotypes and prejudices rooted in unfounded ideas of racial superiority. These biases continue to inflict pain on millions of people of African descent globally.

Now, let me share my own story about living in Russia and what it meant to be black in a country where I often felt isolated.

I moved to Russia in 2005 at the age of 13 to pursue my studies. The initial experience was overwhelming. I noticed people staring at me constantly—women, in particular, seemed fixated on me. I couldn't understand why everyone was so intensely focused on me. I wondered, "Why are they looking at me like that?"

Some greeted me as if I were a celebrity, while others seemed fearful and apprehensive. Over time, I realized that my skin color was the reason for their attention. I was the only black person in the city where I initially lived, which made the experience particularly challenging.

Yes, there was a significant amount of racism. Racism is pervasive everywhere, not just in Russia but also in Africa, where nationalism can sometimes manifest in similar ways.

Despite the racism and prejudice I faced—where even simple outings required careful consideration—I persevered. I did not allow these challenges to deter me. I achieved my educational goals and earned a master's degree, proving that resilience can triumph over adversity.

Sofonie Dala Interviewed by Russian Press on Africa Day, 2013

Today is May 25th, African Liberation Day, an incredibly important day for us, and we have come together to celebrate it. This celebration isn't just happening here in Russia; it's happening all across Africa as well.

I’m wearing my African costume, which I brought from Angola, my homeland. This traditional attire represents our national pride and culture. Today, all the African students in this city are dressed in their national costumes, showcasing our rich heritage here in Europe. We want everyone to see how deeply we cherish our culture and how proud we are to be African.

Back home in Africa, we celebrate as families, gathering together to decorate the streets and spend time outdoors. We share meals, adorn everything beautifully with African beads and ornaments, and even paint our faces for carnivals. We also observe African rituals, taking time to rest on these special days because they hold great significance for us.

It was on a day like today, August 31, in 1920, that the first declaration of the rights of people of African descent was adopted in New York. Commemorating this historic event, in 2020 the General Assembly, under the initiative of Costa Rica, declared this as the International Day for People of African Descent. International day celebrations invite governments, civil society, the public and private sectors, schools and universities, and citizens of the world to reflect on values that unite humanity and to take concrete actions to advance them.

International days reflect the values that society shares. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. Any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust, and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.

Film Title: "Echoes of Resilience: The Silent Struggles of Angola's Mwila Tribe" || Indigenous people

Film Title: "Echoes of Resilience: The Silent Struggles of Angola's Mwila Tribe"

Filmmaker Name: Sofonie Dala

Story About: This film tells the story of the Mwila tribe women in Southern Angola, who face the dual challenges of preserving their cultural heritage and surviving in an increasingly hostile climate. As they migrate from their ancestral lands to urban centers like Luanda, the film explores their resilience, struggles, and the socio-economic inclusion efforts aimed at supporting them.

Coordinates: The film's geographic focus spans from the Huila Plateau (Coordinates: 14.9510° S, 13.5006° E) to the urban areas of Luanda (Coordinates: 8.8390° S, 13.2894° E).

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Narration:

In the heart of Southern Angola, where the sun scorches the earth and the winds carry whispers of ancient traditions, lives a resilient people—the Mwila tribe. Semi-nomadic and deeply rooted in their ancestral lands, the Mwila people have long thrived in one of the most arid regions of the world. Yet, as the climate shifts and the rains grow more uncertain, their way of life is under threat like never before.

The Mwila women, with their bare chests adorned in vibrant beads and fabrics, have become icons of their culture. They are the keepers of traditions, the nurturers of the land, and the providers for their families. They breed cattle, their lifeline, and craft oils and natural teas from the harsh, unforgiving landscape. These products not only nourish their bodies but also sustain their communities—economically and spiritually.

But now, Angola faces its worst drought in 40 years. The rivers dry up, the cattle weaken, and the children go hungry. The Mwila, who once proudly roamed their lands, are being pushed into the cities, where they are met with discrimination, poverty, and the threat of violence. They leave behind a land that no longer sustains them, only to find that the modern world does not welcome them.

I am Sofonie Dala, and I have dedicated myself to connecting with these women, these guardians of a vanishing way of life. Through my work with Talentos Multiplus, we are building bridges—creating a platform for the Mumuila women and girls to find their voices in a world that often silences them. We aim to uplift them, to protect them, and to ensure that their stories are not lost to the winds of change.

In this documentary, we will walk with the Mwila women through the dusty paths of Huila and into the bustling streets of Luanda. We will hear their stories—stories of resilience, of survival, and of the quiet strength that has carried them through centuries. This is a story not just of the Mwila tribe but of the many indigenous communities around the world who stand at the frontline of climate change.

As the world gathers for COP29, let us listen to these voices from the margins. Let us see the faces of those who bear the brunt of our changing climate. And let us act—not out of pity, but out of respect and responsibility. For in the echoes of their resilience, we find the true measure of our humanity.

Story:

The Mwila, or Mumuhuila people, are a semi-nomadic ethnic group living in southern Angola, particularly in the Huíla region. They belong to the larger Nyaneka-Humbe ethnic group, which inhabits the Huíla Plateau and the headwaters of the Caculovar River in southwestern Angola. This region is one of the most arid in the world.

The Mwila people, who speak the Mwela dialect of the Nyaneka-Humbe, also communicate primarily in Umbundu, a Bantu language spoken in Angola. Unlike other ethnic groups that fled Angola to neighboring countries due to wars, climate change, drought, and invasions, the Mwila people and their parent ethnic group, Nyaneka-Humbe, did not disperse outside Angola but are instead dispersing within the country.

Angola is currently experiencing the worst drought emergency in the last 40 years due to climate change. The effects of this drought include food shortages, lack of potable water, cattle dying from disease, and malnourished children, among other issues.

Southern and central Angola are facing some of the worst climate shocks in recent years, including alternating droughts and floods. Vulnerable populations are forced to use untreated wastewater for consumption, relying on stagnant and unprotected ponds where animals drink and defecate. Rural populations seek water that is dangerous for drinking, cooking, and feeding their animals.

These women are cattle breeders, and it is from this livelihood that they earn their income. In addition to this business, they are also known for marketing natural teas, mupeke oil, and ngundi oil to nourish the hair. This dark oil, with a strong burning odor, is manually extracted by adult women from a fruit of a typical shrub in the Namibe region and is used for treating hair and skin.

With their imposing bare chests, necklaces, and colorful fabrics, this is how Mumuila women present themselves, whether in their tribe or in the middle of the metropolis.

Poverty, food shortages, wars, political conflicts, and natural disasters force Mumuilas to migrate to the country's capital.

Today, as a means of adapting to urban life, some Mumuila women choose to wear blouses or dresses to avoid harassment, sexual abuse, and unpleasant comments regarding their semi-nudity.

Among Angolans, many are unaware of the true culture of the Mumuilas, especially their history. This people is often rejected by society, viewed as a tribe with habits that do not align with life in more modern societies. In Luanda, these women attract much attention as they walk the streets. Many still react strangely, but there are also those who praise them.

Over the past few years, Sofonie Dala has tirelessly worked to identify and engage with indigenous communities dispersed across Angola, particularly the women of the Mumuila tribe. These women often struggle with communication in Portuguese and face discrimination in urban areas, leading to difficulties in selling their products, such as oil. Many are forced to migrate to major cities due to hunger, drought, and poverty, where they also face the threat of sexual abuse.

To address these challenges, the startup Talentos Multiplus, led by Sofonie Dala, has created a socio-economic inclusion platform specifically for Mumuila tribe women and girls dispersed throughout Angola. This initiative aims to support their integration and uplift their living conditions, providing them with opportunities and protection.

Refugee Olympic Team. 🌟

  BRONZE!

Her middle name is Winner, and she is the FIRST athlete ever to medal for the Refugee Olympic Team. 🌟

Huge congratulations, Cindy Ngamba, for winning bronze in boxing at hashtag#Paris2024! 🥊

Your triumph is a powerful reminder of how sport can change lives. Thank you for inspiring the world! 💙

Happy International Day Of The World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 || Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact

 International Day Of The World’s Indigenous Peoples

Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact

The Angolan context

On December 23, 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared in its resolution 49/214 that the International Day of the World's Indigenous People would be observed annually on August 9. This date commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.

The 2024 International Day is being observed online on Friday, August 9, with this year's theme focusing on "Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact."

Today, we are reflecting on the identities and urgent challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation and those in initial contact. We also call on everyone to share progress on how their rights can be effectively recognized and protected.

There are an estimated 476 million indigenous people across 90 countries worldwide. They represent less than 5% of the global population but account for 15% of the poorest. They speak the majority of the world’s approximately 7,000 languages and embody 5,000 distinct cultures.

Indigenous peoples are custodians of unique cultures and have distinctive ways of relating to others and the environment. They have preserved social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that set them apart from the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural diversity, indigenous peoples around the world face common challenges in protecting their rights as distinct groups.

A Glimpse into the Mumuila Tribe in Angola

Over the past few years, Sofonie Dala has been tirelessly working to identify and engage with indigenous communities dispersed across Angola, particularly the women of the Mumuila tribe. These women often struggle with communication in Portuguese and face discrimination in urban areas, leading to difficulties in selling their products, such as oil. Many are forced to migrate to major cities due to hunger, drought, and poverty, where they also face the threat of sexual abuse.

To address these challenges, the startup Talentos Multiplus, led by Sofonie Dala, has created a socio-economic inclusion platform specifically for Mumuila tribe women and girls dispersed throughout Angola. This initiative aims to support their integration and uplift their living conditions, providing them with opportunities and protection.

Mumuila Tribe Ladies 

Indigenous peoples’ communities are tightly bound to key elements of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).

Video on demand 

Ladies good afternoon!

Good afternoon.

What's your name?

My name is Elisa

And you?

My name is Ana.

What province did you come from?

We came from Lubango.

Why did you come to Luanda?

We came to sell oil.

What kind of oil is this and for what purpose?

This is mupeke oil and this is dibaleia oil.

Mupeke oil can be put in the hair, and dibaleia oil can be used to massage the body and relieve pain.

How is life here in Luanda? Is it easy or hard?

Well, this business is not paying off, people are not buying.

Did you bring a lot of oil from Lubango?

Yes we brought a lot of oil but it is not yielding, this business is slow, everything is stagnant.

Here in Luanda where do you live?

We live in Bem-fica.

From Bem-fica to here? Too far?

And how do you live in the Bem-fica? Is there a big house where you all reside?

We are living with a countrywoman of ours.

So you came to the municipality of Cazenga to try to market the mupeke oil business that is not being profitable?

Yes, yes we are trying to spread our business.

Is this your baby?

Yes.

Do you have husbands?

Yes, the husbands stayed in Lubango.

Your husbands stayed there to graze animals, didn't they?

Yes, they are taking care of the land.

These women abandoned their land because of famine and drought in southern Angola. They came to Capital Luanda, looking for better living conditions. But the reality here in the city is much more cruel, they face discrimination and social exclusion, many have been victims of sexual violence.

They usually sell traditional oils, mupeke oil for hair and dibaleia (cow fat) oil for body massage, but due to social discrimination, this business is not profitable and they end up begging and wandering around the city of Luanda. 

These women live a life of extreme poverty in the country's capital, face discrimination and social exclusion, which makes it difficult for them to earn income from their business.

Sometimes stopping to talk to them and buy one of their products, even if you don't need it, is an act of solidarity that can raise these women's self-esteem and make them feel useful and valued.

The Mumuila people are people from the ‘Nhaneca-humbi’ ethno-linguistic group spread throughout the province of Huila.

They are one of the peoples who still maintain their ancient customs and traditions. Many people are unaware of its existence. The Mumuilas are cattle breeders, which is their main source of livelihood.

Circulating in the city's arteries or positioned in the streets and markets, children, girls and adult women, mumuilas arouse the curiosity of anyone, especially visitors, forcing them to make a short stop.

Generally, the ladies have part of the body adorned with samakaka cloths, typical braids, the neck surrounded with beads of various colors, which also serve to adorn the head, neck, trunk, where the necklaces are placed forming the mathematical sign of times (X), as well as bracelets representing the local transcendental cultural wealth, to be preserved and valued.

On the streets, they sell natural teas and mumpeke and Ngundi oil to vitaminize the hair. Naked, by cultural imperative, these women attract the eyes of most tourists, some unaware of the uses and customs of the Nyaneka-Nhkumbi ethno-linguistic group.

Indigenous peoples play a unique and valuable role in ensuring the sustainable management of a significant share of the world’s lands, ecosystems and biodiversity. Indeed, the territories of indigenous peoples are home to 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity.

Equally important, the food systems of indigenous peoples are anchored in sustainable livelihoods and the principle of ensuring the food sovereignty and well-being of communities.

It is therefore an especially unfortunate reality that indigenous peoples are among the people most likely to be left behind – poverty rates among the world’s estimated 476 million indigenous peoples are significantly higher than for populations at large – as a result of discrimination, historic injustices, and inability (or, in some cases, lack of political willingness) to protect their internationally enshrined rights to their lands and territories.

As a result of indigenous peoples’ strong engagement in the process towards the 2030 Agenda, the final resolution “Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”  (A/RES/70/1) refers to indigenous peoples 6 times, three times in the political declaration; two in the targets under Goal 2 on Zero Hunger (target 2.3) and Goal 4 on education (target 4.5) – and one in the section on follow up and review that calls for indigenous peoples’ participation. 

In addition to the above-mentioned goals on hunger, the environment and climate, and peaceful societies, in contexts where issues related to the exclusion of indigenous peoples from the benefits of development – and failure to uphold their rights – are not adequately addressed, it will be impossible to end poverty (SDG 1), achieve gender equality (SDG 5) or reduce inequalities (SDG 10). 

Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.

In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.