Reflecting on the historical context of Belgium's control over Congo, it becomes clear why many Congolese people find it difficult to support Belgium today. King Leopold II's regime was not just a colonial administration; it was a private enterprise marked by extreme brutality. Unlike typical colonial governors, Leopold personally owned the Congo Free State and employed merciless tactics to exploit its people and resources. The infamous "Force Publique," Leopold's private army, enforced labor through terror. Soldiers were instructed to prove that ammunition was not wasted by cutting off the hands of victims—a grim testament to the cruelty endured. Estimates suggest that between 8 to 10 million Africans died due to executions, starvation, disease, and forced labor during this period. This staggering loss of life and systematic violence left deep scars on the nation's collective memory. Photographs and accounts from that era, often smuggled out and circulated secretly, reveal the harrowing conditions faced by the Congolese. It is vital to recognize these stories as part of a broader understanding of colonial impact and its lasting effects on social and political dynamics in Central Africa. Sharing these insights is essential not only for historical education but also for fostering empathy and awareness in a global context. Understanding the past abuses helps explain present-day tensions and the complex relationship between Congo and Belgium. It’s a somber reminder that history is not just about dates and events but about real people whose lives were irreversibly changed.