This is a history many of us were never taught — but it still shapes lives today. Between 1885 and 1908, King Leopold II of Belgium ruled the Congo as his personal property. Under his regime, forced labor, violence, and exploitation led to the deaths of millions of Congolese people. The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to face armed conflict, displacement, and severe human rights violations. History doesn’t repeat itself exactly — but systems of exploitation often adapt and continue. E