Speech of the Belgian Prime Minister, Sophie Welmes, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Welmes

Mr. Minister-President, 

Mr. Mayor of Ixelles,

Ladies and Gentlemen in your titles and qualities, 

I am pleased to be here with you today to celebrate the 60th anniversary of independence for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Belgium shares a common history with the Congo. 

This 60th anniversary of independence is the occasion to evoke it. This shared story had and still has a significant impact, both for Belgians and for Congolese. This is seen through the bonds of friendship that have been forged between the two peoples over the generations. In particular in the Congolese communities of Belgium and Belgian in the Congo. 

These communities have each contributed to the richness and diversity of our respective countries for so many years. There is a little of you in us and of us in you. But let us also recognize, with honesty, that if our country has always fought hard against racism and all forms of discrimination, there is still work to be done to guarantee equality of chances for all. 

I was shocked by the unacceptable comments that were made recently against the Mayor of Ganshoren Pierre Kompany. Words have meaning, even on social media. Mr. Kompany's job may have brought these abject behaviors to the media spotlight. But these are not isolated facts, every day many of our fellow citizens are subjected to such speeches. 

We must not let anything go by in the fight against racism. We must not let anything go in the fight against any form of rejection whatever whether.

As I said earlier, Belgium shares a common history with the Congo. In 2020, we must be able to look at this shared past with lucidity and discernment. A past also marked by inequality and violence vis-à-vis the Congolese. As for other European countries, the time has come for Belgium to start a journey of research, truth and memory. 

All work of truth and memory begins with the recognition of suffering. Acknowledge the suffering of the other. This recognition was clearly expressed this morning by our Sovereign in his letter to President Tshisekedi for the Congolese. The colonial question requires an in-depth and contradictory debate, involving the various Belgian components and our Congolese partners. 

A debate that must be conducted without taboos, with sincerity and serenity. This is why, the Parliament decided to look into the colonial past of Belgium in a commission dedicated to this effect in order to draw lessons from it. It is not a question here of rewriting history but of understanding it better.

Because we will not be able to write a new chapter without knowing those who preceded it. It is necessary to build the future. Like the rest of the world, the DRC faces major challenges: the development of health care, the consequences of climate change, migration, security and the fight against impunity, to name a few. The DRC has a crucial role to play, both in Africa and on the international scene. 

The visit I made last February was an opportunity for me to get to know this country as beautiful as it is captivating. The DRC is rich in its talents in many fields, whether scientific, artistic or technological. Our commitment, our involvement in the years to come, will not falter. 

There exists a firm will to support the stabilization process in the DRC and the pursuit of its development. An equal partnership, with the Congolese population, for the well-being of all Congolese men and women, whether they are here or there.

I wish you all a celebration of this 60th anniversary of the independence of the DRC full of joy, pride, fraternity and solidarity.

------ ------ ------