DR Congo. The exiled opposition in Belgium is dispersed

Between the Congo (ex Zaire) and Belgium, it's an old story.

(Archives B2) This region of Central Africa is, in fact, first of all, a very personal property of King Leopold II, who delegates reconnaissance expeditions and scientific missions there, and organizes the "development" of the country. On his death in 1909, he bequeathed his possession to the Belgian State. A blessed gift that allows the Congo to gain colony status, and above all to enrich Belgium.

A bunch of keys delivered without preparation

Barely three years after the end of the Second World War, the country had thus recovered most of its pre-war production. Suffice to say that when violent riots broke out a few years later in Léopoldville (now Kinshaha), " the disarray is complete and sometimes turns to panic as historian Georges-Henri Dumont explains. The general movement of decolonization then takes place in " a reckless rush in the words of the (resigning) minister of the Belgian Congo at the time, Maurice Van Hemelrijck. The " bunch of keys is handed over to the Congolese without preparation. As soon as independence was acquired, secession was born in Katanga with the support of Belgian troops. The country sinks into a first civil war. 40 years later and the passage of a certain Colonel Mobutu, the Congo is in the same confused situation.

In the Congolese district of Brussels, Matongé, located a stone's throw from the royal palace, a symbol, life goes on to the mixed rhythm of Belgian and African accents. But the opposition in exile is still struggling to unite. Between the opponents of always like Étienne Tshisekedi, the former Mobutists and the armed movements, harmony does not reign. All have the same watchword: to deny any legitimacy to the new strongman of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila. But the conflicts between them are too deep.

Angola, Rwanda in ambush

« The democratic opposition, the armed movements and civil society must meet around the facilitator designated by the parties However, believes the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines, Bakafwa Mutombo. The only way out then is " the organization of elections and the settlement of the question of nationalities ". Because the danger is there Angola is strengthening its positions, Rwanda will do the same. The war can go on ».

In Brussels, Nicolas Gros-Verheyde
(published in France-Soir, January 2001)

Read also: Power in Kinshaha is not legitimate (Etienne Tshisekedi)