Belgian King expresses "sincere regrets" for colonization in a letter addressed to the Congolese president, Felix Tshisekedi on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of independence

Belgian King Phillipe

For the first time, a Belgian King expresses "sincere regrets" for colonization in a letter addressed to the Congolese president, Felix Tshisekedi on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of independence. 

It is a letter whose content can be described as exceptional. For the first time, a King of Belgium condemns the actions of Belgium in the Congo during colonization.

Without however naming the responsibility of King Leopold II in person. It is a first step on the part of the Palace, significant and at a time highly symbolic. It is of real importance and is covered politically by the government. But an even more important step towards forgiveness could occur at the end of the work of the 'truth and reconciliation' commission set up in the House to revisit the events of colonization. 

King Philippe's words are strong: "Our history is made of common achievements but has also experienced painful episodes," he wrote to the Congolese president.

"At the time of the independent state of Congo, acts of violence and cruelty have been committed, which still weigh on our collective memory. The colonial period which followed also caused suffering and humiliation. I would like to express my deepest regrets for these wounds of the past whose pain is now rekindled by the discrimination still too present in our societies. I will continue to fight all forms of racism. I encourage the reflection which is initiated by our Parliament so that our memory is definitively pacified. [The reference to the "Truth and Reconciliation commission" ] is clear and support for the next step towards the great forgiveness of Belgium is explicit. Said the Belgian King.

The question is whether the palace will then agree to mention by name the responsibility of Leopold II and the way in which Belgium plans to give concrete form to its apologies, as is the reference to the recent anti-racist demonstrations and the emotion following the death of George Floyd in the United States. 

For the rest, King Philippe congratulates the independent Congo on its sixtieth anniversary and insists on our special relations. "This anniversary is an opportunity to renew our feelings of deep friendship and to rejoice in the intense cooperation that exists between our two countries in so many fields, and especially in the medical field, which mobilizes us during this pandemic period. Health crisis strikes us in the midst of other concerns. The privileged partnership between Belgium and Congo is an asset to face it. On this national holiday, I wish to reaffirm our commitment at your side. "

This proximity implies precisely a work of memory: "To further strengthen our ties and develop an even more fruitful friendship, we must be able to speak of our long common history in all truth and in all serenity." 

As are the challenges of a chaotic world: 'Global challenges demand that we look to the future in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. The fight for human dignity and for sustainable development requires joining forces. It is this ambition that I formulate for our two countries and for our two continents, African and European. 

" Due to the epidemic of coronavirus, the king cannot go to Congo, but he hopes to have the opportunity very soon: "The current circumstances unfortunately do not allow me to go to your beautiful country, which I would like to know so much better. 

I hope I will have the opportunity soon. " The next visit may be that of great forgiveness.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor