"The debunking of statues of Leopold II, a question of memory more than of History"

By Colette Braeckman (Le Soir)

THE EVENING. - How do you interpret the unbolt of the statues of Léopold II?

Amandine LAURO. - For me, this is an acceleration of post-colonial temporality: while disputes have been gaining momentum for several years, they collided with the upcoming commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Congo's independence. On this occasion, various demonstrations had been in preparation for a long time, to which was added the emotional shock provoked by the death of George Floyd in the United States. This telescoping provoked an acceleration of awareness of racism, in history and in the immediate present. Two different contexts have thus come together, which has made it possible to reach much wider circles than the usual audience.

Does this awareness concern racism, colonialism? What is it exactly?

At the outset, there was certainly a reflection on racism, to which was added

This article is for subscribers only. You still have 59% to discover.

Subscribe: € 1 the first month

cancellable at any time

Already subscribed? Log in