Belgium and Democratic Republic of Congo
Course: Ps130! 12 WI16
Date: 4/22/16
Belgium and Democratic Republic of Congo
Belgium and Democratic Republic of Congo are two countries that exhibit the diversity
that exists between the Global North and the Global South. The two countries had a relationship
that affected the history of their politics, the current politics, social and economic conditions of
their countries, their power status and their relationship with other important actors in the world
politics. The relationship between Belgium and Democratic Republic of Congo dates back to
1908 during the time of imperialism and colonialism. The essay seeks to explore the difference
between the Global North and the Global South while discussing, social, economic, and politics
of Democratic Republic of Congo and how Belgium has hand in them.
Democratic Republic of Congo formerly known as Belgian Congo is just but an example
of the difference that exists between Global North and Global South. Democratic Republic of
Congo was a Belgian’s colony beginning in 1908 when the then King of Belgium King Leopold
the second declared the present day Democratic Republic of Congo its colony. Through
Leopold’s expansion of its Belgian colony to include Democratic Republic of Congo, he applied
both direct and indirect rule on the Congolese residents. The chronology of European
colonialism saw Belgium take up Democratic Republic of Congo formerly known as Zaire, other
countries that took colonies in Congo include, France, Portugal, and Spain. Other European
countries such as Great Britain, Germany, and Italy annexed colonies in East Africa, West Africa,
South Africa and Horn of Africa respectively (Kisangani, the BBC). Belgian entered Congo in
Belgium and Democratic Republic of Congo
1908 and just like other European counties，which were expanding their control in Africa,
Belgian declared Congo as its colony and through the Paris treaty of 1908, King Leopold
considered DR Congo as a personal property and he took total control of Congo from 1908 to
1960 when Congo gained independence. It is worth noting that Belgium’s invasion of Congo was
guided by three tenets, missionary, private interest and state.
To begin with, missionary was one of the core reasons for the invasion of Democratic
Republic of Congo; Belgians missionaries were tasked with promoting Christianity in the Congo
region. Missionaries were the first group of Belgians to arrive in Congo and they doubled up as
explorers as well. They will then communicate to the King, King Leopold that they have found
agriculturally viable land in the heart of Congo, King Leopold then reacted to the news by
