Belgium opens up Congo archives amid global minerals race
Belgium is opening up its colonial-era archives on Congo to researchers and the public, according to RFI. The step comes as competition for critical minerals intensifies worldwide. The Democratic Republic of Congo holds some of the largest reserves of these minerals.
Belgium is opening up its colonial-era archives concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo to researchers and the public. According to RFI, the step aims to allow a more transparent examination of the historical ties between the two countries.
The initiative comes as global competition intensifies for cobalt, copper and other critical minerals vital to electric-vehicle batteries and advanced technologies. Congo is one of the world's largest suppliers of these resources.
Analysts say the opening of the archives carries symbolic weight for both historical reckoning and present-day mineral diplomacy. The supply chains for critical minerals remain at the centre of geopolitical rivalry among major powers, giving fresh relevance to the relationship between Brussels and Kinshasa.
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