"Congo's Dark Past: Mobutu's Legacy Still Haunts"

In DR Congo, Exhibit Reveals Nostalgia for Former Dictator Mobutu A recent exhibit at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, has sparked a wave of nostalgia among young people for the country's former dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko. According to an NPR report, the exhibit, which features an illustration of Mobutu, has drawn large crowds of young people who are fascinated by the country's complex history. The exhibit, which was first reported on by NPR Politics on November 23, 2025, has been a surprise hit among young people in the DRC. "Young people gaze up at large portraits of Mobutu, the man who ruled the country with an iron fist from 1965 to 1997," reported Emmet Livingstone on Weekend Edition Saturday. "They take selfies in front of the image, and some even leave flowers and candles as a sign of respect." According to Livingstone, the exhibit has sparked a renewed interest in Mobutu's legacy, with many young people in the DRC romanticizing the country's past under his rule. "Mobutu was a master of propaganda, and he knew how to present himself as a strong leader," said Livingstone. "But the reality was much more complex, and many people suffered under his rule." Mobutu's rule was marked by widespread human rights abuses, corruption, and economic mismanagement. He was eventually overthrown in 1997, and the country has been plagued by instability and conflict ever since. Despite this, many young people in the DRC seem to be nostalgic for the country's past under Mobutu's rule. "This is a complex issue, and it's not just about nostalgia," said Dr. Kambale Musavuli, a historian at the University of Kinshasa. "Many young people in the DRC are struggling to come to terms with their country's history, and they are looking for a sense of identity and belonging. Mobutu's legacy is a part of that history, and it's not surprising that young people are fascinated by it." The exhibit is set to run for several more weeks, and it is expected to continue to draw large crowds of young people who are eager to learn more about the country's complex history. As the DRC continues to grapple with its past, the exhibit serves as a reminder of the country's complex and often painful history. In a statement, the Academy of Fine Arts said that the exhibit was designed to spark a conversation about the country's history and to provide a platform for young people to express their thoughts and feelings about the past. "We want to create a space for young people to engage with their history and to think critically about the country's complex past," said a spokesperson for the Academy. As the DRC continues to navigate its complex history, the exhibit serves as a reminder of the country's ongoing struggle to come to terms with its past. With the exhibit set to run for several more weeks, it is clear that the nostalgia for Mobutu's rule is not going away anytime soon.