Displaced

A Photograph by Daniel Buuma

Unlike the sky, the faces of the people, as they walk on one side of the dirt road strewn with rubbish, are unclear. The figure of a woman leads a group, with a folded blue mattress on her head and what seems like a baby strapped to her back. Fastened with a mattress, clothing, and a jerrican, another figure follows closely. Four men trail behind. One of them holds a yellow jerrican; a small bag of grain sits on the head of another. Their faces are downcast. A little behind them, riders on several bikes set in the opposing direction are plodding uphill, as if into the blue sky. On the other side, military armoured vehicles line the dirt road, ant-fashion. But for the uneven spread of bright blue helmets sitting easy, the occupants would blend almost unnoticed with vegetation rolling in the background.

— Onotu David Onimisi

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“It’s a powerful visual representation of a story that continues to unfold.”

This photograph was taken in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in the Nyiragongo territories. I was documenting the displacement of people who had fled from Kibumba, and I saw a line of armored personnel carriers passing by as they travelled. I wanted to capture the contrast between the displacement and the presence of peace-keeping forces in the area. I carefully framed the shot to include the displaced people and the passing armored personnel carriers, allowing for a powerful juxtaposition of the two elements in the photograph. It was important for me to convey the challenges and complexities of the situation in a single image, and I believe this photograph accomplishes that effectively.

I chose this photograph because it captures a scene that is sadly all too familiar to me. Having grown up in the region, I have witnessed the ongoing conflict and displacement that has plagued the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The image of displaced people fleeing from their homes, juxtaposed with the presence of peace-keeping forces, encapsulates the enduring struggle and the complex dynamics at play in the region. This photograph serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the people in this area and the ongoing need for peace and stability. It’s a powerful visual representation of a story that continues to unfold, and I hope that by sharing this image, it will further raise awareness and understanding of the situation in DRC.

I believe that photography is impactful because it has the ability to capture powerful moments and tell compelling stories. My approach to photography is to use it as a tool for shedding light on important issues and sparking empathy and understanding. I strive to capture images that evoke emotion and prompt viewers to reflect on the world around them. Whether it’s through documenting social issues, highlighting the beauty of nature, or showcasing diverse cultures. I aim to use photography as a medium to connect people and inspire positive change. I believe that through compelling visuals, photography has the power to raise awareness, drive social change, and create a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

— Daniel Buuma

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About Daniel Buuma

Daniel Buuma is a Congolese photojournalist residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is an alumnus of the prestigious VII Academy and the Foundry International Workshop, 2023. He grew up in the Congo, where he has spent years documenting, via photography, the ongoing crisis faced by the Congolese people. His works have appeared in local publications. He is a proficient speaker of the English, French languages. Daniel Buuma works best as a freelancer. He is the president of the Roller-Skating Club in Nord-Kivu, eastern Congo. See more of his work on Instagram.

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LAST WEEK — “Movement” by Maingaila Muvundika

The environment and I were both important subjects to this photograph. As I was shooting, I spotted a stationary fisherman and was interested in creating an image that showed an interaction of how we are able to exist on different elements of nature, but also share how this novelty to me was just a way of life for the people of Siavonga. 

Read more.

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This is the 106th edition of this publication, edited by Onotu David Onimisi, one of our editorial fellows. The newsletter also read on web (best for viewing images), and via the Substack iOS/Android apps.

TENDER PHOTO is a newsletter on African photography. Every Wednesday we feature a photograph and a short caption about it, and include a statement from the photographer. Last year, we published commentaries or photo-essays in response to photographs previously featured on the newsletter, including CORRESPONDENCES, CONCORDANCE, KINDRED, and INDEX. The next series will run from March 1–April 26.

Our goal is to work with African photographers by creating a platform in which they lead the cataloguing and engagement with their work.

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