Fifty years ago, Gbadolite was a just small village of 1,500 with mud brick houses.
It wasnt even marked on maps, until Mobutu Sese Seko became the president.
All of these are in ruins today swallowed by the jungle.
A dysfunctional fountain at Mobutus former residence in Gbadolite.
President Mobutu Sese Seko with his signature leopard-skin cap.
The level of corruption was mind-blowing.
However, the prime example of his excesses was closer to home, in Gbadolite.
A satellite-dish communication station provided color television and telephone service.
Health care was provided by a German-run hospital and there was even a Coca-Cola bottling plant.
The disused swimming pool at Mobutus palace.
Instead, they began to pressurize Mobutu to democratize the regime.
The lesson is that my support for American policy counts for nothing.
In 1996, suffering from cancer, Mobutu went to Switzerland for treatment.
Back home, rebels took up arms and with the help of neighboring government forces overthrew Mobutu.
His army offered almost no resistance.
Mobutu fled his country to Togo, and then to Morocco, where he died, aged 66.
The entrance gate and road to the main palace complex.
Photo: Sean Smith
Mobutus palaces in Gbadolite were stripped bare by the rebels.
They smashed furniture, tore down silk curtains and stole everything that was of value.
Many of the structures dont even have a roof now.
The Water Ministry building that was never finished became an improvised school.
Gbadolite is now a shadow of its former self.
The jungle has seized back the land.
The five-star Motel Nzekele is now derelict and shabby but still open for business.
The empty cinema has ripped seats and holes where the projector used to be.
The airport is essentially defunct, with only two or three tiny aircraft coming a week from the UN.
The airport terminal in Gbadolite.
Photo: Sean Smith
Mobutu has still got supporters.
I take care of this place because its from one of our own.
Although Mobutu died, he left it for us, said one of the self-appointed caretakers.
When I used to come here, I would feel I was in paradise.
Everyone would eat according to his wish, he toldThe Guardian.
People were poor but at the time we couldnt see it, Ngama continued.
We thought everyone was OK.
The army was organised and well paid.
There were clothes from the Netherlands and women had money to buy them.
In education, teachers were on good salaries and couldnt complain too much.
Some needed big bags to carry all the money each time they were paid.
Most teachers had their own means of transport but now it is not the case.
The theater hall of Motel Nzekele.
He knew what methods to use to preserve unity, security and peace for his people.
You could feel at home anywhere in the Congo under Mobutus regime.
There is no freedom without security.
He understood what the people needed at the time.
Even Mobutus foes agrees that Mobutu was more useful than some of his successors.
With Mobutu we had a state, but he was a dictator.
There are also many who laments the wanton destruction of Gbadolite.
The mistake of this country is they have destroyed and looted everything.
They were doing that to rub out Mobutus memory, but the history should be preserved.
A mural of former President Mobutu outside the mayors office in Gbadolite.
Photo: Sean Smith
Inside the abandoned airport control tower.
Photo: Sean Smith
Inside the main airport terminal.
Photo: Sean Smith
The Water Ministry building.
Its a school now.
Photo: Sean Smith
Motel Nzekele is still operating.
Once a 5-star hotel, now rooms come at $50 per night.
