Belgium's colonial history in Congo: Is 'regret' enough? | DW News

Belgium's King Philippe has expressed his deepest regrets for his country's brutal rule in its former colony, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Millions of Congolese were killed, mutilated or died of disease as
the land was pillaged for its resources, particularly under the rule of King Leopold the Second. That history has overshadowed the ongoing visit of the current King, with many Congolese expecting restitution of some kind.
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#Belgium #Congo #Colonialism

[@j1212a]

If an apology takes care of everything, then I rob a bank and apologize after a while.

[@romnix9000]

The difference is that no punishable crime has been commited. Should we weep in apology for every mistake we've ever made ever, whilst pretending the congolese are morally white as snow? I'll pass on that ^^

[@kovo7]

bruh

[@zues9614]

Which btw more moral then all wstern countries combined.

[@ranko.5930]

nope, its like you rob a bank. And for some reason your great-grandchildren have to apologize and repay everything.

[@kennedy8926]

​@@romnix9000weirdo take

[@ricferr6945]

Belgium. The UK. Holland. Portugal. Spain. France. Just to name a few massacres. All impune.

[@redpanda8461]

Rwanda genocide

[@MrWhitmen1981]

You forgot white farmers in South Africa.

[@epa2349]

What about China, mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Central Asia? They have plenty of massacre in their history too.

[@Maidaseu]

You left out Germany, USA and Japan also eventhough they killed most civilians

[@oranjeboven6363]

@@epa2349 Before the Europeans, it was heaven on earth, especially in Africa.

[@ahbroody]

I’m just thankful for this channel. It’s honest view of world events is informative and refreshing. I just keep watching more videos

[@GT-Diaries]

Everyone is eyeing Congolese resources, the country is blessed with a lot of rare earth resources. Congo is on the right path to be a great African country.

[@fern7306]

So now you want corporations mining in that country?… Bad recipe

[@KevinXD]

🤪

[@M3ganwillslay]

Belgium wants to take Congo back ...be aware

[@KevinXD]

@@M3ganwillslay lol

[@jakebhenry2228]

I’d argue against that. A lack of accessing said resources, insufficient ways in the transportation of those resources, political instability, lack of government overview in the interior of the Congo, threats of war with its neighbors or rebels, all on top of one of the greatest poverty stricken lands in the world all make the worth of such material wealth pointless because none would invest in such high-risked business and the Congo isn’t rich enough to tap such resources by itself.(high in risk in compared to the material wealth nations like Ghana or Côte De’vore which are a little more stable and already have an established network of accessing such minerals). Of course the areas of Kinshasa and its path to the sea may see such prosperity over the next decades but even that isn’t certain due to the instability and corruption that resigns itself to governance…

[@samanthaw4955]

Belgiums not the only European country with a terrible colonialist past. When will all these other countries be held accountable for the crimes they committed including Belgium.

[@hermanspaerman3490]

Yeah, and lets not forget the entire world . Turkeys and the Ottoman Empires crimes against humanity during 600 years of colonialism and slavery. Japans crimes against the civilians in Asia , 20 million killed during WW2. The Arab slave Trade , approximately 13-18 million Africans were enslaved by Arab slave traders, just to mention a few. I am one hundred percent sure you won't ever mention these countries because it doesn't fit your agenda.

[@Kciroy]

But Belgium was clearly one if not the worst during their colonialist past. As i Belgian i know these are the facts and we should all know this so it never happens again.

[@avenged42]

​​@@dafi0ou unironically think any belgium can just pay 20 trillion (which is a ridiculous estimate anyway) LMAO

[@avenged42]

How about we hold the ottomans, Moors and mongolians to account and when they pay there reparations to Europeans Europeans can start paying of there moral debts....

[@KK-rg1wz]

Congo was a PRIVATE owned piece of land (2,4 million km2) by Leopold von Saxen-Coburg Gotha, who also happened to be King of another country, Belgium. Leopold got in in 1984, "thanks" to the Congress of Berlin, where the big European powers gave it to him (Africans were not involved, unbelievable). Leopold (hated in Belgium too) organised his colony with a PRIVATE army, the "Force Publique", .... in 1908, he was forced to give it to Belgium. The Belgian Government, nor Parliament, nor population organised this cruel situation. And nobody who ever had slaves can apologise to people who never were slaves. All those Africans now living in Europe, ... why don't they take care about the ACTUEL situation in Africa. In nort Congo, millions of Africans are already murdered by other Africans, because of the tribe to which they belong. Pure African racism...

[@lorenandre63]

They never apologize for anything not to mention they have an attitude where they will sell you a new car without the engine.

[@romnix9000]

Yeah that wierd attitude that we have of selling engin-less cars. Spot on honey.

[@rabbidcrazy787]

Says who?

[@PD55_]

Too little, too late. But no culture has a monopoly on either cruelty or ignorance. Pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial nations - the history of human behavior shows that the future will not be much different when it comes to needless suffering.

[@robertskolimowski7049]

I get u brother, but I think it's slowly improving🤞🏻, ofc we still have a lot of inhumane behaviour, torture, mass killings around the world, but it's because of e.g. the internet that we are sooo flooded with all the news about crime and atrocities every single day (which in a way is good, the world need to know all that) that we might be led into thinking it's getting worse and worse, I don't think that's the case🤞🏻✌

[@PD55_]

@Cru6ix Just read history history of conquest, tribal competition, is not unique to Europeans. Slavery was nearly universal for centuries before the English empire abolished it in 1854. Incas, Aztecs, Egyptians, Zulus, Arabs, Rus, Mongols, Vikings, Apaches, etc as brutal as anyone else, and proud of their brutal cultures in their times.

[@PD55_]

@@robertskolimowski7049 yes it is better. Right now is the best time to be alive despite the problems, we need to make sure it continues to be better for everyone, for the future of all.

[@silverecho1201]

@Cru6ix Japan did the same thing with Korea

[@Maidaseu]

@Cru6ix Ottoman empire, Mongols, Mali empire, Ming empire, Brazilian empire, Japanese empire, Russian empire, United States current world domination, Stop pretending that imperialism is a European trait. It existed everywhere, all throughout history. Europeans were just better at it for much of the past centuries

[@johnmpundu8782]

took his tooth as a trophy? They think we are animals

[@Maidaseu]

You are animals. Apes. We all are. Homosapiens. Look it up. Did you think we were plants or something?

[@romnix9000]

You said that, not me

[@bigdaddyrat7854]

Regrets: Genocide Mutilation Rape Economic exploitation Recompense: zzzzzzzzzzzz

[@Ryanowning]

That's not entirely true. Colonization itself part way paid the debt of blood by significantly speeding up their development, but I'd agree that that really isn't enough. The only way I see Africa having a bright future is for Europe to give them a loan through construction projects with 100 years of 0% interest with no options to repay during that time and, after 100 years, 1% interest.

[@romnix9000]

Truth is: we don't even regret it. But it's a secret

[@se6369]

Leopold II ran Congo seperately from the Belgian state, and the current monarchs aren't even decendant from him. So who should pay exactly? Plus I'm sure Belgium has given a lot of aid to Congo anyway

[@vivekjha8473]

Belgium apologize for what ?

[@foobman]

Leopold2 was a monster, without a doubt, but he still has defenders among older Belgians, and also on average more so in the south of the country, where one seems to be influenced by historians whose views are more apologetic towards his actions. But it's not just him, nor by extention the country of Belgium. All colonial powers were ruled by morally corrupt monarchies and other elites. England, France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Italy,... they all had blood on their hands. For starters all of them should empty their national museums and ship everything back to the countries of origin.

[@rohitkashyap7476]

They charge the natives for enteing the museum filled with stolen stuff.....

[@foobman]

@@rohitkashyap7476 and let's not forget that the museums themselves were built using the resources that were essentially stolen from the colonies, extracted by exploited and forced labourers. As a Belgian myself, I can only see it as the most shameful part of my country's heritage.

[@samwariso]

The same countries that colonised and brutalised Africa and Africans are the same ones destroying African countries like Libya, Congo and others today just to be able again to control the continent.

[@oranjeboven6363]

@@foobman What makes you believe that Africa was not built on stolen resources, especially when it comes to slavery and colonialism?

[@oranjeboven6363]

@@foobman They should all empty their national museums and return everything to their home countries? What home countries are you refering to? Are you talking about the Royal Charles? the Spanish the English? etc? do you really think that European countries cry about what they stole from each other 100s of years ago ? or are you only concerned about what was stolen from Africa?

[@induslove]

Belgium must apologize and repent for the genocide of the people of Congo. This was a horrific event in the human history. They absolutely owe reparations to Congo. All those beautiful buildings you see in Brussels are made from the blood of the ancestors of the people of Congo.

[@vandenberghsimon]

sorry but you're wrong, Congo was personal property of Leopold, not the belgian people, majority of the profits from Congo went to Leopold's pocket and to the small circle of elite around him. Belgium and the building in Brussels were built thanks to industrialization, we had lots of coal and iron mines at that time in Belgium, we had strong financial sector which supported the industrial projects, we have built the second largest port in Europe, that was the main source of economic development of our country. if you want apology, go demand it from royal family, not common belgians...

[@XOXO-if8yo]

​@@vandenberghsimonshameless white 🐕

[@-timothydexterthegreatestp5391]

@@XOXO-if8yo says the dude that has a white man as his profile picture

[@exampaperplanes]

Heartfelt ❤

[@mihiec]

Africa is a future!!!! Greetings from Poland

[@romnix9000]

*had

[@MELEMADE338]

Europe: 😳

[@Its_Tyronehes]

And europe blames africa for being poor

[@mihiec]

@Its_Tyronehes don't say europe when you mean france England and other colonial powers. Europe is as well slavic. We didn't colonised anyone. We were slaves for Germans. We really do understand many african nations trauma

[@Its_Tyronehes]

@@mihiec No no no I'm an eroupian i'm just defending Africa and with europe i mean some countries cause if i said europe the first country would probably be UK or France

[@babayaga6321]

Belgium should pay reparations for their crimes against people of Congo.

[@Nat-cj5vo]

you don't pay repartions. Stop spreading this nonsence. SMH

[@titomartin2365]

Congo people should initiate criminal case against Belgium those crime they committed in the past should not be easily forgotten.

[@Darium147]

We get that belgian people had no fault, but at least from the leopold corporations, the congolese dont need just words of apologize. *They need reparations*

[@TheArjun1373]

Never ever forget your Painful history and never forgive to the culprits (both internal and externals). Culprits must penalised for their inhumanity.

[@macrobianson2g]

They don’t deserve forgiveness

[@amund8821]

They are all dead

[@fatboyRAY24]

@Amund And? So are the people they killed, should we not get just for them because they are dead? I

[@msbronzegoddess3166]

​@@amund8821You still hold responsibility for their sins because of your benefit. Reparations are necessary.

[@avenged42]

​@msbronzegoddess3166 and do Africans still bear responsibility for the moors who colonised Europe?

[@jason4275]

*No need for apologies as long as the truth is written acknowledged in the history books that's what matter.*

[@Cutieplus]

In Japan, history text book rewritten every year.

[@Noone-rl8db]

Tell that to the Congolese people

[@jason4275]

@@Noone-rl8db Have some dignity and don't ask for apology or money, just make sure the children in both Congo and Belgium see it in their history books, don't ever allow the Belgium government to white wash their history.

[@constancemare2617]

Yes congolise people need 1000 apologies from the barbarian belgian

[@ianm8218]

Congolese don’t need their apologies, they need reparations

[@jamesmurphy9426]

Belgium should pay for Congos infrastructure Healthcare education and industrialization for twenty years

[@rabbidcrazy787]

Why?

[@jamesmurphy9426]

@@rabbidcrazy787 Did you watch the video or do you seek a immature response

[@youamazing41]

​@@rabbidcrazy787 " Why "

[@donchong25]

70 years of war crimes.

[@romnix9000]

Which war, genius?

[@user-vj8ow7on2p]

Hey i am.algerian north african 😊 I wish you would talk about french crimes in north africa 😊thank you 😊

[@Elektrische-Lease]

repparations for century's ago make no sense. we can keep going forever, belgium can claim repparations from france, rome etc.

[@ndiana-abasiwillie4762]

Belgium should pay compensation in billions to DRC

[@eviken1982]

Nope.

[@fagreed3938]

tell me more about the crimes of colonial Britain. how the United States brings democracy to Libya, I think it will be interesting

[@Ganymede559]

Britain didn't do much when it came to committing atrocities. The UK had always sought the peaceful road but there were occasions where things went south.

[@isa_L]

@Anglo-Saxon,, _"Peaceful road"_ 🌙

[@Ganymede559]

@@isa_L Britain's empire was built on trade & Economics. Not through genocide.

[@mohitkumargangwar1938]

@@Ganymede559 then why UK, USA worried about china expansionism, they are doing the same thing what Britishers doing. Stop defending UK if you have no knowledge because i am from one of those countries who suffered from colonial atrocities

[@jakebhenry2228]

@@mohitkumargangwar1938 Because geopolitics dictates that China is a threat to their interests. As for a further point, may you perhaps say what country you are from that was struck down by Europeans? I ask this because in truth Europe did do good in some ways to the lands they conquered.

[@jameswyre6480]

Belgium, France, and Spain in particular were a disaster for every place that they ‘colonized’. No colonial power was free of abuse or even horrendous abuse, but some were far worse than others. Something more would have helped to heal some of the memories.

[@joexavier4070]

Hey u miss me 🇬🇧

[@joexavier4070]

@@yeetian2774 I king of Europe and world....god's choosen country🇬🇧

[@isa_L]

you forgot Netherland and japan

[@truthseekertruthspeaker]

Time to restart the game...they cheated from the beginning💥

[@darex0827]

Don't forget about the Empires of the world - Ottoman, Russian, British, etc. They killed millions and enslaved millions more.

[@MitzvosGolem1]

Dutch in Indonesia also.

[@romnix9000]

Ur mom in Indonesia also

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

1:11 words are good, but action must be with the words to.

[@mihiec]

Those who made those crimes are dead. But some companies remain... This companies who made profit. Theys should pay. A lot. But taxpayers shouldn't be charged. It's not their faults that theirs ancestor did horible things.

[@obibiniba]

What do you mean by that?... The whole country developed with the resources stolen from the colonies by their king and you want to say that they didn't benefit?. Why then do they glorify their kings?

[@eviken1982]

My ancestors never went to Congo so it's not fair that I have to pay just because I am born in Belgium.

[@mihiec]

@@eviken1982 we all know story about Leopold II

[@istoppedcaring6209]

there is a big difference between "congo freestate" and Belgian Congo though, the former was dystopian the latter was among the better colonial regimes at the time despite still being paternalistic and focussed on ressource exploitation over all other things much of the coverage internationally came from france and Britain hoping that they would get to gobble the entire thing up, eventually it was the Belgian government that forced it to be surrendered to them in 1908, the only ones that should be held responsible today are those that directly or indirectly proffitted from it the royal family and corporations still around today

[@girishn1762]

African people please support honest leders of Africa , future is in our hands 🎉🎉🎉

[@jonathaningram8157]

Good luck with that.

[@ems7623]

Are we really still talking about this? Yes, Belgium's exploitation of the Congo was one of the most atrocious examples of colonialism. But we already knew that. We have known it for decades. The official apology from the crown is the right thing to do - and such symbolic gestures have been how the world has handled grave historical errors on this order for decades. It is the best that can be done through diplomacy. However, lets be perfectly clear about this. It has been quite some time since Congo won its independence. The recovery from Belgian mismanagement of its colony should have begun then. That was NOT the choice made by the political leaders who rose to power in the DRC. They have waged civil war, incited ethnic conflict, dabbled in gross corruption stealing the revenue from the Congo's rich natural resources from the Congolese people. Human development has been at a standstill for eons. Infrastructure development is nearly nonexistent. The economy is still puttering along with little growth. While one could possibly make the argument that some part of these catastrophic failures are the outcome of colonialism, placing the blame entirely on Belgium is making extraordinary excuses for truly awful leaders - and that cannot stand. Nothing beyond an apology can be done for the DRC until such a time that the government there has a proven track record of being competent, responsible, peaceful and incorruptible. In the meantime, no African gains anything from continuing to blame European empires for all the woes of their nation.

[@romnix9000]

@@STARSALL011 Germans really shouldn't enter the realm of discussing other nation's past atrocities. You've lost that right a couple of decades ago. Greets from Belgium.

[@Darium147]

​@@romnix9000 Then why are you discussing if your king had a whole distopya for itself?

[@josephgyamfi2856]

Instead of meeting him with a protest, you met him with dance?, when are we going to value ourselves as a people?, how is he going to apologize when you reduce yourself to such a level?.

[@MrChayl3]

💯

[@MrChayl3]

When Prince William went to Jamaica he was met with a protest

[@nullx7]

Belgium must recognize this genocide.

[@dirtybies]

Belgium doesn't have to do anything that Belgium doesn't want to do.

[@nullx7]

@@dirtybies Are Belgians related to Japanese and Turks? Just asking

[@-timothydexterthegreatestp5391]

@@nullx7 No Belgians are actually related to the Fries

[@BamBamGT1]

There was no genocide, and Belgium had nothing to do with the atrocities in the congo free state

[@nullx7]

@@BamBamGT1 There is a saying in Japan and Turkey “There is no genocide” I think same goes for Belgium

[@rayturchie7038]

Reparations, Reparations & Reparations.

[@romnix9000]

Apologies, nothing and forgetting!

[@maximindolcy351]

They are celebrating the hand cutting off

[@paulblichmann2791]

Leave Africa alone? Youll be called an ignorant racist. Try to help them? You'll be called a condescending racist. Try to work with them as equals? You'll be called a slave driving, exploiting racist. It really is a cursed land.

[@jirachi-wishmaker9242]

Learn about Shell oil Company You don't work with them as equals, you exploit them.

[@Maryann_marymary]

Who went first and still goes to Africa? History shows that Europeans needed and still need African resources.

[@romnix9000]

Absolutely true

[@Datacorrupter234]

my proud ancestors they might be a bit southern but my flemish great grandfather did well

[@lorrainedebeer2338]

Deepest regrets while the children mine cobalt. Goodness the cognitive dissonance of the colonizer is insane. This world is so sad

[@Vaffanculo26]

Leopold isn’t still celebrated in Belgium tf? Those statues meant NOTHING to the people of Belgium. They were just there. And now they are gone, luckily.

[@svetakokareva9455]

EU need Congo oil and metals 🤷‍♀️ now.

[@solidground2045]

Of course, without Congo many of the country cannot progress. Belgium is welcome to the table of reconciliation for decade and renew our relationship to work together, building and make our economy more efficient than before

[@jakebhenry2228]

Accept the fact the Europeans would have to come back for a second time for it ever to be efficient.

[@jaroslawpeter3586]

How many people Belgians had killed in Congo? They should FINALLY pay huge reparations. Conrad was first to write about this wild genocide of psychophatic Leopold II. Another one Stone Age on Earth.

[@romnix9000]

At least 2. And we'll never pay anything. Everyone forgets Belgium, we're EU's capital, we have no reason to do anything for the congolese What is Belgium? Exactly Now let us do our bidding

[@dirtybies]

😁😆😅🤣😂

[@eviken1982]

I will not pay. Why I have to pay if my ancestors never went to Congo?

[@mounirsarhane8476]

phillip did nothing

[@normanwells2755]

How much money do they want? Is it guaranteed to be a one time payment?

[@romnix9000]

We'll pay in full using false appologies as currency. That's our final offer.

[@teddillon5216]

Blah, blah, blah...you can’t sanitize history. Terrible things happened all through history. It is important to teach about these atrocities, but how do you compensate people who weren’t even alive during these times..ALSO, the Congo should look at their own leaders since Independence, and how many of these leaders have robbed the people and stuffed their own pockets with money, while ordinary citizens live in terrible poverty!

[@Carewolf]

It wasn't even the country's acts there, it was the king's personal colony, and the king's actions

[@son-of-the-moorish-empire]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 but the people get richer no? Hhhhhhh they liked the money and ressources coming from there and closed their eyes about the genocide? lol

[@jameshill8493]

@@son-of-the-moorish-empireI thought he just pocketed the profits

[@tomassmith1519]

​@@son-of-the-moorish-empirethey didn't, actually. That's why they took the colony from him

[@daeith1233]

No hate but the King never even went in DRC, he was indeed super crual ad ordered evil things but the ones who did all those actions were other Belgians, so it's Leopold AND some Belgians as well

[@ranko.5930]

@@son-of-the-moorish-empire The economic impact of Congo on Belgium was minimal. It was a industrialised country before and after Congo. Gave us a few prestige projects but thats basically it.

[@chrisdeschepper7038]

the rule of Leopold II was his private entreprise, Belgium was not responsable for that, of course they are responsable for what happened afterwards and that wasn't very nice either

[@josestevam]

Would be better if they interviewed her in french.

[@heather-vs9qe]

Words is not enough... compensation is crucial....

[@dirtybies]

Yeah yeah, everybody wants a free handout 🤣 Where's my handout from the Romans, Vikings, French, Germans, Spanish and so on? Yes i'm a Belgian and my country was also invaded and pillaged through history. So now you can see with your own eyes how ridiculous your comment is asking for a handout. This victimhood mentality is really weak

[@XOXO-if8yo]

​@@dirtybiesshameless white 🐕

[@ts2464]

The past is history, focus on your future.

[@KasperHaake]

I have a lot of problems with the: ‘action’ that she is proposing. Firstly, let’s be honest, they want money, action is a euphemism. Secondly, how do we know the money is well spent in a corrupt country with no stability at all. Third: All of the colonisation was awfull, but by far the most atrocities where committed during the reign of Leopold II, and not during the period that it was part of Belgium itself. So can someone explain to me, why hardworking Belgians who have nothing to do with Congo, have to pay for some corrupt Africans on the other side of the planet, when we can’t even manage our energy prices. If there is someone at all to pay ‘reparations’, it is the house of Saxe-Coburg.

[@mosesodhis365]

Am not Congolese buy I feel same as how Germany owns up and even pays "reparations" to Israel; so should Belgium

[@KasperHaake]

Firstly that is just no argument, don’t generalize people like that. Secondly, it is right that a lot of our buildings where built with that money, but those are mostly cultural buildings and statues. However, don’t tell us that we couldn’t have built up our nation, when Congo and Africa in general with way more population and resources wasn’t enabled to even make a slight evolution over thousands of years.

[@SweBeach2023]

@@ramon3897 The entire Western Europe have developed just fine, with or without colonies. For most the colonies were nothing but a drain on the economy as compared to the idea of free trade that replaced it.

[@Ryanowning]

@@ramon3897 That myth is heard a lot, but if you do an ounce of research into all countries that had nothing to do with colonialism in any way it falls apart pretty quickly. They made maybe a few billion in today's USD, but it had next to no impact on their industrialization which is where the real money lies. Europe should invest into Africa with extraordinarily favorable loans, with maybe an interest rate of 1% and 0% for the first 100 years, as reparations. The interest rate of 1% after 100 years is just there to make it so that it's more politically viable to do it sooner rather than later.

[@jakebhenry2228]

@@ramon3897 This isn’t so true when comparing imperialism in Africa with the rate of industrialization in Europe and this also includes Belgium. The output of the Congo did not once manage to make up even 10% of Belgium’s trade or GDP while it was a colony, such exploitation as you have mentioned rarely occurred and arguably never actually happened given the cost applied to ruling over a colony 20 times the size of its owner. Also if such exploitation ever did happen ask yourself if Africa or Empire was so important to the development of Europe then why is it that Europe decolonized most of Africa in a 10 year period(this also includes Belgium).

[@markjackson6026]

Hmm only his country and not it's Meglomaniac head of state? Wasn't he directly responsible?

[@bartmulderij8884]

The pigmy tribes need a apologie from the , other tribes for canabilsm , well knowen many kanabalistic tribes in congo .

[@samsonrao3793]

Only one artifact returned?😂

[@ugbalaarya5213]

Yes, let's remind them their place

[@romnix9000]

Not a dime

[@1MuchButteR1]

Tf is that thumbnail

[@Modagne23]

OH CONGO You will never Learn! 😔

[@babayaga6321]

Definitely not enough.

[@AkitoAkumakun]

Before you say : all of belgium approved this, they didn't they mostly thought he was doing good deeds spreading our religion it was Leopold, that did this and he's force volunteer Forces of the CF NDK National Gaurd

[@delonthomas5049]

Freedom to África the motherland they abused shall rised

[@romnix9000]

I doubt that

[@MikeLiteraus]

They imported enough that the Congolese now run their parliament 👍

[@romnix9000]

Big brain comment

[@franzjoseph1837]

No...pay reparations for the millions you stole and stop supporting the oligarchs in the Congo so the people can actually benefit.

[@marekburniak1997]

Without them Africans would still be living in caves haha

[@jackbolder5734]

Who supports which oligarchs? Can you give me a pointer, I have no clue on the topic but am interested..

[@franzjoseph1837]

@@jackbolder5734 like this whole dog and pony show has been orchestrated by the Congolese side. The EU rules in Africa through proxies like in Rwanda, Cameroon, Gabon etc that it why their "presidents" don't get sanctioned even though they have been in power for decades, regularly fix elections, and jails or kills anyone who complains. Like the "president" of Cameroon is the longest reigning non monarch leader in the world its insane to even call it a democracy. The Congo is worst so many foreign entities have their hands there from Chinese interest, Russian interests, American interests etc. To make as much profit as possible they give "developmental aid" to the govt who then open up the mines for foreign capital. They also make sure there is no worker rights laws in these operations cause that costs the mining companies money. That aid disappears into personal banks of those African elites while their people continue to starve. That is why the Congo has millionaires even though the average wage is less than a dollar. And that is not even getting to the debt this cost Africa as costs go up as the state falls to corruption n instability. So long story short The EU bribed African elites with aid then the African elites make sure there isn't any hinderance to EU profits in whatever mine they are using. This is why Africa stays poor and why the west killed off so many post colonial rulers who would not play ball while pretending it was about communism or whatever.

[@jackbolder5734]

@@franzjoseph1837 Do you have a source for "EU bribed African elites"? I'm from the EU and want to know if this is going on

[@franzjoseph1837]

@@jackbolder5734 I mean just look up gravel Institute how france still controls Africa. Sources linked in bio of video or just go look up democracy now on the subject of Africa or go to jstor type in Neo colonialism in Africa and read.

[@judah2427]

Leopold is who they are.

[@Kciroy]

Who are what?

[@daniel6009]

Leopols is are they is

[@jonathaningram8157]

OK OK hear me out. How many lives were saved because of the technology they introduced to them? Not saying what they did were good or justified, but they created a lot of infrastructure.

[@anonymousjeffry1864]

I'm not sorry for the Congo, why should I?

[@Anuj10_01]

True. Same thing should happen to your people and nobody should feel apologetic about it.

[@Maidaseu]

Human morals? Or maybe because you benefit from their suffering?

[@grasomansonturd4253]

Let russian have all europe...

[@romnix9000]

Based, absolutely true

[@romnix9000]

@@Anuj10_01 Belgians are more important

[@johnreynolds5407]

Strange how Europe (responsible for so much colonial horror) cares so much about Ukraine's borders now.

[@warbler1984]

Are you saying that because Europeans were colonialists that they have to be consistent and continue supporting colonialists such as Russia...cause that's so silly you have no idea...

[@johnreynolds5407]

@@warbler1984 aww you are a good asset for weapons manufacturers in Europe and America.

[@isa_L]

and it is strange that British and Netherland can get away with everything

[@9UaYXxB]

@@johnreynolds5407 So you prefer a 'fish is a barrel' situation, do you John? Get over yourself.

[@mac7040]

A few people here who like to turn a blind eye to the historical behaviours of stalin and his contemporary wannabe mini me putin. Maybe they should go move there (if thir not there already) and so be able to make an educated compare and contrast with the west 😉

[@darex0827]

The world works by a simple principle - might is right. It has been like that for thousands of years, nothing suggests things will be different moving forward.

[@helenhunter4540]

Dave J. Nothing except the hope and knowledge that many people, possibly most, believe it's better to live peacefully with our fellow humans.

[@darex0827]

@@helenhunter4540 its not what the majority want, its what those with power want.

[@jirachi-wishmaker9242]

Then Russia is right

[@magtinfal7908]

What right man would have it any other way?

[@ranko.5930]

@@helenhunter4540 Looking at these comments that is not gonna happen, most just want revenge on the west and want to see it suffer. Thus the cycle continues.

[@zaferkurt3506]

God bless united states of africa

[@peterhanssens7260]

Belgium needs to open it's chequebook wide. A lot of the beautiful monuments in Brussels were built with blood and sweat from the Congo all so Leopold 2 could brag with the big powers of the time. Very shameful of Belgium and the Royal House must say "we are sorry" it is that simple. A Monarch's false pride in Leopold 2, a real brute of a man.

[@davecavana1031]

They should dig those bastards up and put them on trail for their crimes.

[@Lootensansy2308]

We don't need to pay anything. What happened there is nothing do whit the people from 2022. The world let hem do. And is sad What happened there. But we don't need to pay money from something From 200 years ago. If we pay then money's it wil not be juse wel becous the politiek is so shady that the money never wil go to people that need it

[@peterhanssens7260]

@@Lootensansy2308 Sorry don't agree, Belgium must own this and must pay restitution and this happened in the late 1890's and early 1900 not 200 years ago. Leopold 2 etait un brut, regard tous les beaux monuments a Bruxelles payer par l'exploitation du Congo , ce n'est pas acceptable......

[@Lootensansy2308]

@@peterhanssens7260to you need to give money to the people that die ore the government of Congo and than we al know what wil happen to the money. The government wil take it and jused it for there personal tings.

[@romnix9000]

Cry me a river ^^ Belgium will do no such thing, nor should it

[@MrLoobu]

That's an awesome thumbnail, and I immediately know who it is.

[@lawrencepll76]

What is the thumbnail?

[@MrLoobu]

@@lawrencepll76 leo 2 slathered in blood and oil.

[@christopherrichardwadedett4100]

The flower of European civilization was wiped out in WW1.

[@emerson3070]

Too little, too late.

[@romnix9000]

No consequences though, so it's still gucci

[@abubacarjallow]

Do they have family problems

[@angelobkoljenovic9528]

Belgian government should prosecute,history of his country. In the Cory of jouster

[@romnix9000]

I'm sure there are civilised coherent thoughts somewhere in that mess of a sentence.

[@CanadianBear47]

The last request of wow what a great system and we brought order will not die for a long time

[@ericiraho122]

Kagame killed 5 million of congoleses, he should also ask forgiveness

[@nukiolbartes6279]

Power is about postponing accountability

[@romnix9000]

That's an incomplete definition if I ever saw one

[@nukiolbartes6279]

@@romnix9000 definition cant be complete by definition. I wonder which complete definition have u ever seen :)

[@FTBTheGoat]

Hello guys, I wish everyone who sees this comment, a girl or a boy, to live a life full of love and happiness. I wish it to you with all my heart 🙏❤😍😍

[@user-zj5dv6fi1i]

france belgium and uk should pay for they have done

[@user-bu8bo5gc4v]

Finally one non - Ukraine topic

[@JorgePerez-gj2iq]

It’s this weak minded victimhood mentality that keeps so many people around the world tied to a past that they can not change instead of seizing the future that lays before them. Yes you should remember the past but always look towards a prosperous future built by your present.

[@IK-ft8ql]

well guess what, he is back because he needs oil and gas from Congo. Congolese people suffering from European intervention into their political system. If Europe stops that, Congo has enough resources to rebuild it. It is not about looking back, it is all about future.

[@JorgePerez-gj2iq]

@@IK-ft8ql yes they have resources but they lack the infrastructure, capital and ports to move goods on a scale that would allow them to take full advantage of what they own. By no means am I saying they can’t do it, but it would be on a limited scale. Africa as a whole is full of resources but the constant wars and instability I’m many countries there doesn’t allow them the needed stability to flourish that doesn’t apply to all countries there but it is a concern also geographically the coastline that surrounds Africa is not well suited for shipping making cost a concern they few ports suitable for mass shipping are in the north and east and they are limited in what they can handle as far as trade. At this moment China is investing heavily in African trying to gain a foot hold on some key minerals that are only available in the Congo the hope is what they have done to many countries, loan them money hope they default and take possession of their resources as payment of the debt it’s a smart move so I would say European’s are the least of Africas worries they Chinese have a plan and its already bearing fruit aside from capital they are also encouraging their people to immigrate there and start businesses you might see that trend continue in the coming years so good luck and watch out the Chinese are coming to take it all. Keep worrying about Europe and watch China take it all.

[@romnix9000]

Absolutely true

[@maximindolcy351]

Go and have a look of the museum in Belgium Antwerpen the hold museum is made up with hand African hand

[@SHIBI1108]

I know this will be crazy but once upon a time my teacher went on a trip to the DRC to show how bad the economy is there and he met a congolese man who said: Hey are you Belgian? My teacher: yes. Congolese man: can you make us a colony again, I want a better economy in my home country.

[@ericwilson2632]

😂🎉😂🎉 see what lack of education do for the people that was Colonianize 😂🎉

[@Darium147]

And who Is to blame for the initial doom of the DR 💀?

[@ronaldmadziro5679]

Belgium must pay reparations and stop making excuses.

[@romnix9000]

We sure won't, absolutely no reason to. Congolese can be sad all they want, they won't get handouts.

[@ronaldmadziro5679]

@@romnix9000 Then you can continue carrying your generational curse that you have richly earned,idya izvizvo.

[@swagkachu3784]

​@@romnix9000 lol man i could say some things

[@dirtybies]

😆😅🤣😂

[@sutirtharoy]

01:14

[@Sokon2011]

And European still try to teach us about ethics and human rights...pathetic

[@sshray1115]

😏😏😏😏

[@tns31091]

Colonializer.

[@leokyne6258]

Africans will still cuddle them anyway

[@abubacarjallow]

Men takes care him self

[@robertojofre15]

Sorry here is 1billion, would had sound a lot better for Congo

[@romnix9000]

The Congo state can't create wealth for the life of them, so I guess crying and hoping for handouts is their best option

[@davidombegera4987]

Such murderers should not be allowed to step in Africa!!

[@chetawitko1886]

Óhiŋniyaŋ wašičupi eyapi "iyomakišiče" tkȟa tákuni ečhuŋpi kte.

[@GKP999]

Regrets are not the same as an apology. Shame on the Belgium king! He is a coward. It is not just Belgium. All countries that stole artifacts from Africa should return them.

[@mariatheresavonhabsburg]

'The Belgian king' commited no crime nor any actions for which he should apologize. You can't apologize for the crimes of your ancestors.

[@GKP999]

@@mariatheresavonhabsburg Cutting off the limps of human beings is a crime against humanity. I like to see you say that is not a crime when it happens to you and people you love.

[@mariatheresavonhabsburg]

@@GKP999 'The Belgian King' I was referring too is Philippe of Belgium. But good try on willingly misinterpreting my words.

[@GKP999]

@@mariatheresavonhabsburg Then you should have been more clear about it in the first place.

[@mariatheresavonhabsburg]

@@GKP999 Yet I was only copying you.

[@dilsonluiz3567]

I could not understand her point as her english was very bad!

[@abubacarjallow]

U following him

[@CanadianBear47]

Woops

[@johnnysgamingclub2126]

And countries like these today are main "exporters" of democracy in the world. And Belgium is not even worst of them.

[@romnix9000]

Mentalities change, mixing the past and the present paves the way to misunderstanding

[@batu3507]

they are the real barbarians also USA

[@jungleboi6544]

Warm welcome no thanks it’s more like no welcome

[@mamadoubalde2893]

Why now? Oh yeah, I know why. They need oil from Africa😃😃😃😃😃

[@romnix9000]

Most of our oil comes from Norway, you degenerate

[@uhsir9852]

​@@romnix9000 okay degenerate.