Devoted to the colonization of the Congo Basin by Europeans, this series of articles retraces the different stages which, since the end of the 19th century, led the Democratic Republic of Congo to its independence on June 30, 1960. This long history includes many painful episodes.
> On June 30, 2020, as the Democratic Republic of the Congo celebrates 60 years of independence, King Philippe of Belgium sent a letter to President Félix Tshisekedi, in which he presents his wishes and believes that, in order to "develop a further friendship more fruitful, we must be able to talk to each other about our long common history in all truth and in all serenity".
> This is the opportunity for the unanimous press, to salute the king's effort to denounce "acts of violence and cruelty" during the first period of colonization, under Leopold II (between 1885 and 1908), and "sufferings and humiliations" in the second part. As such, Philippe is the first sovereign to recognize the regime of terror established by his grandfather and to express his "deep regrets".
> As for the "apologies", they could only come from the Belgian nation, the sovereign believes. The Parliament of this country has set up a Commission of Inquiry on Colonization so that a fuller recognition of the responsibility of the country in the crimes of colonization can be established.
