King Leopold Ii

Belgium’s return of Lumumba’s remains is disingenuous and hollow

Without an apology or reparations for the colonisation and enslavement of the Congolese people, Belgium’s decision seems to be for appearances rather than a genuine reckoning with its bloody legacy.

DR Congo’s case for reparations is accountability in practice

A call for reparations holds states accountable for the atrocities they committed. When it comes to the DRC, Belgium would do well to go beyond empty words and performative gestures.

King of Belgium 'regrets' crimes against Congolese. But is that enough?

Letter sent by Belgium’s King to the President of the DRC sparks debate as many see it as an insincere acknowledgement of his ancestor's crimes.

Congo turns 60, but still isn't free

The Democratic Republic of Congo rid itself of European colonisers, but their legacy and misrule still haunts the country.

Belgium apologises for mixed-race abductions in colonial era

Belgium officially acknowledges responsibility for segregation policy under which 'metis' children were seized from Congo, part of its brutal 80 years of African colonisation.