The Congo became a Belgian colony primarily through the efforts of King Leopold II of Belgium in the late 19th century. Initially, Leopold presented himself as a humanitarian, aiming to civilize and educate the inhabitants of the Congo. However, his true intentions were driven by economic interests and the quest for rubber, ivory, and other resources.
In 1885, the Berlin Conference officially recognized Leopold’s personal claim over the Congo Free State. Under Leopold’s rule, the region experienced severe exploitation, where local populations faced brutal forced labor and atrocities. The horrific conditions sparked international outrage, leading to humanitarian campaigns that exposed the abuses.
In 1908, mounting pressure forced the Belgian government to annex the Congo, transitioning it into a Belgian colony. This period lasted until 1960, marked by exploitative labor systems and limited local governance. The legacy of Belgian colonization left deep social and economic scars, influencing Congo’s post-independence challenges.
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