Kinshasa, November 3rd, 2026 (CPA).- A commemorative event paying tribute to Congolese soldiers who took part in the two World Wars and highlighting the strategic role of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) mineral resources is scheduled for November 11th in Schaerbeek, Belgium, according to a statement received by CPA on Tuesday.
“We are paying tribute to the Congolese soldiers of the Force Publique who took part in the World Wars, while recalling the strategic role of the DRC in a global history marked by the exploitation of its resources, particularly uranium from Shinkolobwe,” the statement indicated. The event, organized by the Bakushinta and aFreeKam associations, will take place around the memorial dedicated to Congolese soldiers, located at François Riga Square in Schaerbeek.
The organizers also drew parallels between the issues surrounding Congo’s mineral wealth in the past and present, stressing that behind economic interests and military strategies lie human lives, territories and communities confronted with the consequences of resource exploitation. “Remembering is not simply about looking back at the past.
It also means questioning the present, acknowledging historical responsibilities and refusing to allow Congolese sacrifices to be forgotten,” the source stressed.
The gathering therefore aims to pay tribute to the contribution of Congolese soldiers to global conflicts and encourage reflection on the role of their country’s natural resources in international affairs.
As a reminder, the Force Publique was a military organization established under the Congo Free State and subsequently maintained under the Belgian Congo.
It notably took part in military operations in Africa during the two World Wars. ACP/