Belgian king must adopt clear stance in Congo

King Albert of Belgium will attend the celebrations for 50th anniversary of Congo's independence from Belgium. The visit to President Joseph Kabila should be more than just a ceremony, the daily De Morgen points out: "If the King confines himself to amiably watching the marches and drinking a glass of champagne with Kabila he would only be strengthening these people' reputation and legitimacy and his visit would thus be a slap in the face for the average Congolese citizen and for everyone who is concerned about the future of Africa and general and that of the Congo in particular. ... After all, the question of what policy this government is pursuing towards Congo is more important than a symbolic visit. ... What conditions does Belgium attach to the expansion of development aid, what are the possibilities for further democratisation ... and which instruments can be used to end the conflicts that have claimed millions of victims in the past decade? ... If the Belgian government's only answer to these questions is a handshake between the King and Kabila, accompanied by a deafening silence, it would be a disgrace."

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