Congo at 60

The World

Sixty years ago, Congo celebrated its independence from Belgium. On Tuesday, for the first time, contrition came from the colonial power: In a letter, Belgian King Philippe expressed deep regret for the suffering and humiliation inflicted on Congo during its 75-year colonial period. The World’s host Marco Werman has a look at a song spun to mark the country’s independence, and the iterations it’s gone through since then.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.