Looking at Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), through the lens of renowned photojournalist Mo Amin.
In 1964, Zaire was a nation in turmoil. Following the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister, political instability gripped the nation. Power struggles, the Katanga secessionist crisis, and a rise in insurgencies from rebel groups and foreign mercenaries created an atmosphere of unrest and violence. The southeast of Zaire became particularly unstable, leading to the displacement of thousands of civilians.
Among the key regions affected was Albertville (now known as Kalemie), a town situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. As conflict zones expanded, Albertville became a sanctuary for refugees fleeing the violence. The town witnessed an influx of displaced civilians, all seeking safety and stability amidst the chaos.
Mo Amin’s lens captured this period of intense upheaval. His work offers us a window into the harrowing experiences of those who lived through this turbulent chapter in Zaire’s history — and the strength of a people navigating war, displacement, and survival.
This snapshot of Zaire in 1964 reminds us that the human cost of political conflict is often borne by the innocent. It also highlights the role of photojournalism in preserving the stories of those who are too often forgotten in the sweep of history. Through Mo Amin’s powerful images, the struggles of the people of Zaire continue to resonate, shedding light on a history that shaped the region we know today as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
