Belgian king offers ‘deepest regrets’ over Congo colonialism in royal first

By Zach Halaschak

Published June 30, 2020 5:56pm ET

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Belgian king offers ‘deepest regrets’ over Congo colonialism in royal first — In this photo taken Sunday, Sept 9, 2018, a health worker sprays disinfectant on his colleague after working at an Ebola treatment centre in Beni, Eastern Congo. The current Ebola outbreak in northeastern Congo has become a testing ground with one aid group for the first time treating confirmed Ebola victims in individual biosecure units used in emergencies involving highly infectious diseases. | (Al-hadji Kudra Maliro/AP)

King Philippe of Belgium expressed regret for his country’s actions in Congo during colonization.

The king sent a letter to President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo on Tuesday. While he highlighted the pain Belgium caused during colonialism, he stopped short of a full apology. His statement, however, marked the first time someone from the Belgian royal family acknowledged the brutal toll the country had on Congo, according to the New York Times.

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Tag:

Africa Belgium British Royal Family Europe History