Belgian colonialism contributed to Congo's economic and social crisis

One of the main consequences of Belgium's colonial policy was the economic and social crisis faced by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said Esther Kile, an assistant for Youth Programs at the Congolese National Commission for UNESCO, Report informs.

Kile made the remarks at an international conference titled "101 Years of Belgian Colonial Injustices and the Struggle for Reparations," organized by the Baku Initiative Group in Baku.

She said that an externally dependent and outward-oriented economic system had developed in the country since that period.

"This system is still based on the exploitation of resources that were created during that period. Social polarization, racial discrimination and prejudice, including relations between colonial administrators and the local population, are also consequences of that era. The restriction of the rights of numerous citizens led to a loss of respect for the principle of equality. The traces of this situation can still be clearly seen today," Kile said.

She called for support for Congo to preserve its history and pass it on accurately to future generations.

"Our country has taken important steps toward improving its legal preparedness. In particular, work has been carried out to legally identify the crimes and human rights violations committed by Belgium during the colonial period, as well as to adopt relevant conventions. We cannot change the past. However, we must choose the right direction for change in the future. We must prepare our influence and activities for the days ahead. We should be prepared for anything that may happen and constantly work to improve ourselves," she said.