Decolonisation event kicks off Brussels’ plan to raise awareness

The first action in Brussels’ decolonisation plan took place in Cinquantenaire Park over the weekend.

The event featured an audiovisual installation by Chaos Village that highlighted Belgium’s colonial past, Bruzz reports, along with slam performances by Kavena Gomos, Avery Bertrand Iradukunda and Badi.

The capital’s decolonisation plan was presented last year following the recommendations of a working group. Planned actions include the appointment of a decolonisation coordinator, a commemoration day and training of civil servants.

“Two years ago, we set up a municipal committee with both councillors and interested citizens to draw up a decolonisation plan,” said Vincent De Wolf, mayor of Etterbeek where six monuments related to colonialism still stand.

“We also appointed two experts to study everything. It is up to the next majority to implement the plans, but we have already done a lot of preparatory work.”

Saturday’s activities took place opposite a controversial monument to the Belgian pioneers in Congo, a monument honouring efforts in the former colony.

The monument and 23 others will be scrutinised. Some will be removed while others will be given added context. Plans around this are still in the process of being developed.

Other events will take place on 31 August, 14 September, 19 October, 2 November and 14 December. The aim is to provide a space for reflection on and discussion of Belgium's colonial heritage, with an emphasis on education and awareness-raising.