Africa Museum staff say 'Western sense of superiority too strong'

Staff at the Africa Museum have said that they are unhappy with the educational direction of the museum since its major revamp six years ago.

Their concerns are echoed by much of the African and Congolese diaspora, many of whom reportedly feel that they have been unheard and left out, according to Bruzz.

“What direction does the museum want to take today: is it a museum about decolonisation or is it a colonial museum?” asked Mireille-Tsheusi Robert, president of Fémiÿa, an organisation that, among other things, offers decolonised tours at the Africa Museum.

“It’s about integrating the diaspora and Africans within the museum. It's about sharing power with people who have a colonial past. Is the museum ready to allow the diaspora within the power positions of the museum, to govern together?”

Political scientist Nadia Nsayi also expressed concern in a column in De Morgen last month that accused the Africa Museum management of "weak leadership" and "an absurd vision".

Nsayi, who herself has worked for the museum for three years, denounced a lack of inclusiveness within the museum's management and said she was considering leaving the organisation this year.

Museum director Bart Ouvry rejected assertions of exclusion.

“The path of the museum is determined not only by the colonial collections, but also by who we are today and what we mean as a scientific institution and as a museum,” he said.

“For me, the essence of decolonisation is that you move towards a more equal partnership between Africa and Europe, between Belgium and Congo. Have we achieved that today? You can ask that question.

“Activists have a place in the museum. In the museum's 127-year history, only white men over 45 have been director. Isn't it time for a co-directorship? For example, a white man and a black woman or vice versa. That power can be shared, that could send a strong message.”