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Everything accelerates in the introspection led by Belgium on its colonial past. Even before the deputies of the House started their work on the inquiry commission " truth and reconciliation ", king Philippe already presented " his deepest regrets for the wounds " inflicted on the DRC, during the 60th anniversary of the country's independence. Apologies welcomed by the Congolese government: the sovereign " was not afraid to hire his person, his family at the same time as the Belgian state ," said Congolese government spokesman Daniel Makelele.
These excuses therefore do not close the debate, far from it. Pronounced in the name of the Belgian State, they will rather open Pandora's box. Because after the apologies, inevitably come the requests for reparation.
People sing and dance as they gather to participate in the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Congo from Belgium in the Brussels district of Matonge, in Brussels, on June 30, 2020. King Philippe of Belgium expressed his "deep regrets" on June 30 for the damage caused during the Belgian colonial regime in DR Congo, a first for his country. STEPHANIE LECOCQ / AFP
" Present the invoice to the Belgian State "
The Belgian king's public mea culpa towards the Congolese has opened a “ new era ” in relations between the two countries. An era of positive initiatives, such as announcing a job
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