The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), located in the heart of Africa and bordering countries such as the Central African Republic, Uganda, and Angola, has a complex and troubled history. From being known as the Congo Free State to the Belgian Congo, Zaire, and finally the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country has faced the impacts of colonization and exploitation of its resources.
Under the brutal rule of Belgian King Leopold II, an estimated 10-15 million people in the Congo Free State lost their lives. Despite this dark history, the atrocities committed by Leopold remain largely unknown to many.
