All photos copyright Bob Nicolai 1993 - 2009.  Photos may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the photographer.

the photography of Bob Nicolai

In December 1992, coalition forces landed in Mogadishu, Somalia to provide famine relief and restore order in a land torn apart by rival warlords.  For several months the situation improved, but by 1995, disorder ruled again, and the country is still caught in a trap of warring clans and famine today.

I had the opportunity to cover Operation Restore Hope at its height.  I saw a strong, beautiful people wishing to restore their country to a place of honor in the world community.  Even in the face of extreme hardship, there was hope.

The images in this gallery come from two rolls of film that had been lost in early 1993 and found in 2005.  Time took its toll on the film, but the souls on it live on in my heart as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.  Not all of these images are easy to look at, but they need to be seen.  We need to be reminded how good we have it, and we need to use that prosperity to help others.

Somalia

Praed Street Gallery