Nanythe Talini, Republic of Congo

“I am a journalist and human rights activist. I advocated for the preservation of the environment, and for gender and minority rights. I was persecuted for denouncing corruption, criticizing the dictatorship and for supporting a fellow journalist who was attacked by the police. I was studying in the U.S. and published investigative articles exposing corruption in the electoral process and killings committed by the government, where two of my brothers were murdered. I was warned by a friend that I was on the list of journalists who would be detained upon returning to my country. As a result, I filed for political asylum in the United States.
Survivors live with permanent physical and psychological wounds which never really heal. Being a survivor means to continue living to achieve my goals, but also to live for those who are still in hiding, being persecuted, or have lost their lives. It means living to be the voice for those who are voiceless, because of their age, health or are too afraid to speak up. I now understand how meaningful my experience is, how significant the psychological scars I’m bearing are, and how powerful I am as a survivor.
The projected picture was taken when Sassou Nguesso was trying to change the Constitution so he could remain in power. Youths were protesting in the streets and the police were sent to intervene. This picture became a symbol of the protest for Congolese youths against the Sassou Nguesso’s dictatorship.”