six-day visit
KINSHASA
Belgium’s King Philippe bestowed a top honour on the last known surviving Congolese veteran of World War II on Wednesday, beginning a six-day visit amid ongoing efforts to atone for colonial-era abuses.
Former Corporal Albert Kunyuku, now 100, was decorated Commander of the Order of the Crown. Enlisted at the age of 18, Kunyuku fought in then-Burma during the Second World War, on behalf of Belgium.
The king also was expected to address Congo’s parliament later in the day and meet with President Felix Tshisekedi.
Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said this week’s visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde would include talks centered around economic cooperation and ongoing reconciliation efforts by the former colonial power.
“There is talk of the restitution of works of art that are a part of our culture,” he said.
Belgium’s current king has gone further than any of his predecessors in expressing his “deepest regrets” for the “acts of violence and cruelty” inflicted under Belgian rule, which ended in 1960.
