Aubin Mukoni: Award-winning Congolese documentary photographer capturing human stories in Goma, DRC | 54Ruum Spotlight

Aubin Mukoni is a 24-year-old documentary photographer and videographer based in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. His mother often says he inherited his passion for photography from his grandfather, an amateur photographer. As a child, he would watch him capture community life, family moments, and church scenes.

Fascinated by this, he began playing the role of a photographer during children’s games, using a stone as his camera. That unexpected love pushed him to become a professional photographer, using his art to tell stories about the environment, culture, human rights, and everything around him.

His work is a window into realities often overlooked, serving as a visual testimony and a powerful tool for advocacy. In 2024, his project “THE LAKE HAS BECOME SILENT” was selected among the top five projects of the Canon Student program. The same year, he completed the VII Academy Level 1 Narrative Documentary program.

He has collaborated on several conflict-resolution projects and worked with international and national organizations, including the United Nations, Johanniter International, Tearfund, Vis RDC, Good Samaritan for Education, JWS, Cry Peace, and Caritas.

Through contributions to major press agencies like Agence France-Presse and Getty Images, his work has been featured by France 24, TV5MONDE, CNN, African News, RFI, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Le Monde, Libération, Reporters Without Borders, The Telegraph, The East African, Ouragan, and more. He has covered the FARDC-M23 war, the takeover of Rumangabo town by the EAC, the 29th and 30th anniversaries of the Rwandan genocide, food crises among displaced communities, and numerous peace events in the region.

In 2025, he was honoured as a laureate of the World Press Photo Award in the Africa Story category, a global recognition celebrating the narrative power of his documentary work. His approach is rooted in emotional and sentimental expression, exploring themes of community resilience, culture, environment, joy, and human connection. He aims to create images that transcend borders, capturing the essence of humanity and contributing to a more understanding and supportive world.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I am an ambassador of truth, responsible for the stories I choose to tell.

How did you get started in photography?

My passion for photography was born very early, almost like a family legacy. My grandfather, an amateur photographer, captured everyday moments with his camera—whether at church, with family, or in the community. As a child, I watched him with fascination. I didn’t have a camera, so I pretended to be a photographer using a stone, imagining it was real. That spark of imagination awakened in me a deep passion for storytelling through images. Today, photography is my profession—my voice, my way of expressing the world.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why? How has your style evolved?

I specialise in documentary photography, focusing on human rights, conflict, the environment, and African culture. This choice stems from a deep need to tell the stories of my community—those often ignored or forgotten. Living in Goma, I have witnessed complex realities such as humanitarian crises, population displacement, and armed conflict, and felt a responsibility to document them with sensitivity and truth.

My style has evolved significantly. Early on, I sought to capture striking scenes marked by action or pain. With experience, I realised that subtle emotion, quiet gazes, and daily gestures can be equally powerful. Today, my approach is intimate and poetic, focused on natural light, soft colours, and the humanity behind every face.

What themes drive your photography? How do you connect with viewers?

The main themes that inspire my work are human resilience, collective memory, human rights, the environment, and African culture. I aim to make visible the lives and struggles of those in the shadows of conflict or injustice, while highlighting their dignity and inner strength.

Through my images, I seek to create emotional connections. Each photograph is a silent conversation—a bridge between worlds. By capturing a gaze, gesture, or moment of light, I hope viewers feel involved, pause, listen, and remember.

Biggest achievement or proudest moment?

My proudest moment was receiving the 2025 World Press Photo Award in the Africa Story category. This recognition not only acknowledged my work but also gave visibility to the stories of forgotten communities and resilient people. Beyond awards, I am proud of moments when someone tells me, “Thanks to your image, I understood something I hadn’t seen before.” That is when I feel most useful.

Biggest challenge faced and lessons learned?

The greatest challenge was the lack of support from my family, who initially saw photography as not serious or stable. I faced skepticism and criticism, which became motivation to prove that my passion could be a mission and profession.

Field challenges include covering conflict zones and humanitarian crises, risking my safety at times. I have faced gunfire, arrests, and fear, but I am reminded why I do this—to witness, tell stories, and advocate. I learned that conviction is stronger than doubt, and passion can overcome skepticism and danger. Every image I take is an answer to those who did not believe.

Dream collaboration?

I would collaborate with National Geographic. They represent excellence in visual storytelling, combining science, culture, environment, and emotion. Working with NatGeo would allow me to share African realities with a global audience, document them rigorously, and contribute to a visual archive that raises awareness. NatGeo values local voices and authentic perspectives. Instagram handle: @natgeo

Thoughts on 54Ruum?

I am thrilled with 54Ruum. It highlights African artists, providing a professional showcase and space to connect. It supports voices, stories, and talent across the continent, fostering collaboration, visibility, and opportunities.

Photography and art space in your country?

The scene in the DRC is transforming. A new generation of creators tells stories with strength, emotion, and authenticity. Platforms like 54Ruum, international training, collaborations, and media visibility are helping local photographers gain recognition. Congolese photography is now a tool for memory, resistance, and social change. I am proud to be part of this renaissance.

Advice for beginners?

Start with your heart, not your gear. You don’t need the best camera to tell a powerful story. What matters is your vision, sensitivity, and ability to observe with curiosity and respect. Even a stone can become a camera in your imagination—intention is what matters.