On July 15, 2022, a pivotal question was posed to the special Belgian parliamentary commission on colonial past: “How to build a more equitable future between Belgium and Congo?”. This question, posed by Laurent Kasindi, a Congolese author, highlights the painful legacy of colonization and the challenges to be met to redress past wrongs.
Legacy of Colonization: An Overview Congolese, both in their country and in the diaspora, bear the scars of colonization. Born and raised in societies devoid of cultural landmarks, they were deprived of their ancestral values. A lack of equality and control over their country’s destiny keeps them lagging behind other peoples of the world.
Victims of this painful past are the descendants of yesterday’s Congolese. They number in the thousands, even millions, and their suffering is often overlooked, as most direct victims of colonization are no longer among us. However, the possibilities of redress for their descendants are both a challenge and a necessity.
Victim Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Approach The rehabilitation of colonialism’s victims must be comprehensive. It should involve both physical, mental, and socio-economic support. This entails medical care for those still suffering from the physical effects of colonization, psychological support for those carrying mental trauma passed down from generation to generation, and socio-economic support for those battling poverty and social exclusion.
Towards a More Equitable Future: The Way Forward Belgium, as a former colonial power, also has a crucial role to play in building this more equitable future. To do so, it is imperative to acknowledge the injustices committed during Congo’s colonization and to engage in a serious and sincere reparative process. This involves official apologies, restitution of stolen cultural assets, and support for Congo’s economic development.
The Belgian parliament must also consider the impact of colonization on current generations of Congolese. Reparation must be comprehensive and meet their physical, mental, and socio-economic needs. This process must be conducted in collaboration with the Congolese government to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Building a more equitable future between Belgium and Congo requires serious commitment from both countries. Belgium must acknowledge the wrongs of its colonial past and engage in a reparative process. This involves official apologies, restitution of stolen cultural assets, and assistance in Congo’s economic development.
Congo, on its part, should work towards building strong and transparent institutions that guarantee the rights of all its citizens. This means fighting corruption, investing in education and health, and promoting equal opportunities.
Conclusion Laurent Kasindi’s question is more than just an inquiry; it’s a call to action. It’s time for Belgium and Congo to work together to build a more equitable future, a future where the scars of colonization are acknowledged, where reparation is a reality, and where each individual has the opportunity to fully realize their potential
