Burundi is working on a reparation request to Belgium and Germany

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Burundi could seek compensation from Belgium and Germany for the damage linked to colonization. A report to this effect is being drafted by a group of experts appointed by the Burundian Senate. The first conclusions evoke financial reparations to the tune of 43 billion dollars.

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With our correspondent in Brussels, Jérémy Audouard

According to experts, the German and Belgian colonizations, from 1896 to 1962, would have deprived Burundi of 43 billion dollars, or about 36 billion euros.

Apart from the violence committed against the populations by the settlers, the group made up of historians and anthropologists believes that Burundi has been particularly bruised by the attribution of distinct ethnic identities between Hutu and Tutsi. It was in 1931, under the reign of the King of the Belgians, Albert 1st.

This ethnicization has led to many tragedies. Since its independence in 1962, Burundi has experienced exodus, massacres and civil wars. So many episodes that prevented the country from experiencing prosperity

The experts would also propose a request for cultural reparation, with the restitution of archives and objects stolen by the settlers. We are still awaiting the conclusions of this report.

For its part, Belgium is starting a work of memory. It should soon launch a special commission to study its colonial past in Africa.

► To read also - Colonial past of Belgium: is the "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" off to a bad start?

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• Burundi
• Belgium
• Germany
• History

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