While statues of slave traders imperialists and United States Confederate leaders are being torn down, removed or protested against in the English-speaking world, In Belgium demonstrators are demanding the removal of statues of King Leopold 11, from public view . One of the most brutal of the 19th century European exploiters of Africa, Leopold was king of Belgium for more than 40 years, and he is believed to have been reponsible for the deaths of millions of Congolese more than a century ago. Protesters say Leopold has come to symbolize the racism and inequality citizens of Congolese descent have had to endure.

For more on this, Channel Africa’s Khumbelo Munzhelele spoke to Professor Idesbald Goddeeris, Professor of Colonial and Postcolonial History at KU Leuven research University in Belgium. He says while the campaign to remove Leopold'statues is not new, this time Belgian authorities have no choice but to address the matter with vigour.