Belgium's King Philippe 'regrets' colonial-era abuses in DRC

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, left, and Belgium's King Philippe look at a ceremonial mask at the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Kinshasa, on 8 June 2022. © Arsene Mpiana/AFP

Belgium's King Philippe expressed his “deepest regrets” for the pain inflicted during his country’s colonisation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, but stopped short of formally apologising for exploitation, racism and acts of violence.

“On the occasion of my first trip to the Congo… in front of the Congolese people and those who still suffer today, I wish to reaffirm my deepest regrets for the wounds of the past,” King Philippe said Wednesday, addressing a joint session of parliament in the capital, Kinshasa.