JAKARTA - The Black Lives Matter (BLM) solidarity action that has resonated in recent weeks has also influenced Belgium. For the first time in history, the reigning King Philippe apologized and regretted the violence and humiliation of his predecessor, King Leopold II, when he colonized the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Launching CNN, in a letter, King Philippe expressed his deepest remorse for the acts of violence and cruelty that had occurred in Congo. The letter was addressed directly to Congolese President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. The letter was published to coincide with 60 years of independence for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"To further strengthen our bonds and develop more fruitful friendships, we must speak of our past sins in all truth and serenity," wrote King Philippe.
By pedigree, Philippe is descended from Leopold II. On that basis, he admitted that he was burdened with the past sins of his predecessor who was known to be cruel by enriching his country on the suffering of the Congolese people.
"Our history is made of joint achievements, but also through painful periods. During the occupation of Congo, acts of violence and atrocities were committed. That is what still weighs on our collective memory," added the feeling of the King.
"The colonial period also caused suffering and humiliation. I would like to convey my deepest regret for the wounds of the past. For all the pain that is now brought back to life by the discrimination that still exists in our society," he added.
Historically, Congo, which is today sovereign, was once the personal power of King Leopold II. This control made Congo a source of wealth for Belgium from 1885-1908. Not to mention, while in power, as Adam Hochschild, author of the bestselling book King Leopold's Ghost (1998), has revealed, half of the Congolese population was wiped out under Leopold's rule.
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