By: Cambridge University Press

This article reflects on the establishment of the Belgian Parliamentary Commission in 2020 to examine Belgium’s colonial past in Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. It highlights global movements towards reckoning with colonial histories, including restitution debates and the reevaluation of historical monuments. The Commission aimed to address Belgium’s colonial legacy by producing a report that included diverse viewpoints and recommended actions such as apologies and memorials. Despite the effort, political consensus on the recommendations was not achieved, raising questions about public discourse, historical accountability, and the role of historians in addressing colonial legacies.