Congolese Republican Guard tank units head North to the frontlines at Kibumba to repel an attack by M23 rebels. Hugh Kinsella Cunningham: Goma, North Kivu Province, May 25th 2022.
Picturing Strength, Seeing Fragility
This photograph was taken in May 2022 on the main road heading out of the city of Goma, North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. An offensive by M23 rebels, likely aided by Rwandan troops, had gained momentum and thousands of civilians were fleeing the fighting, carrying their possessions under heavy rains. In the opposite direction, Soviet-era tanks and trucks full of troops raced to respond, cheered on by bystanders.
At first glimpse, the image could signal strength. The imposing tank takes up half of the frame, and there is a strong sense of forward momentum, as troops push to the frontlines with a drive and pride. Within days, however, the rebel offensive had been successful, a key town was lost, and in the aftermath I visited a military hospital overflowing with wounded, broken soldiers. This tank unit had failed to change the course of battle, and one of the vehicles was abandoned, later to be used as a prop in an impromptu photoshoot by rebel troops.
For me now, the photo speaks of fragility. Despite the display of force, it shows the precariousness of a dysfunctional army with these soldiers rushing into an untenable situation, their vintage equipment no match for their well-trained adversaries.
Hugh Kinsella Cunningham