140 Years After the Congo Conference: Minister of State for Culture Roth: “Commemoration Is Also a Mandate to Work Towards a More Just Present”
Berlin, November 15, 2024 – On the 140th anniversary of the notorious Congo Conference, German Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth called for remembrance and a commitment to a more just present.
The Congo Conference, held in Berlin in 1884-85, effectively divided Africa among European powers, leading to widespread exploitation and violence. Roth emphasized the importance of confronting this historical legacy and its enduring consequences.
“The Congo Conference was a dark chapter in European and global history,” Roth stated. “It is a reminder of the horrors of colonialism and the arrogance with which Europeans divided Africa without regard for its people.”
The minister noted that Germany’s role in the conference was particularly shameful, as it was Chancellor Otto von Bismarck who orchestrated the division of Africa.
“Today, we remember the victims of colonialism and their descendants,” Roth continued. “We must also recognize the ongoing impacts of the Congo Conference on Africa and the world. Inequality, poverty, and conflict continue to plague many African nations, and we cannot ignore the legacy of colonialism in these challenges.”
Roth called for a renewed commitment to international cooperation and support for African countries.
“Commemorating the Congo Conference is not just about looking back in anger,” she said. “It is also a mandate to work towards a more just present. This means providing development aid, promoting equitable trade, and supporting African nations in their efforts to build sustainable and democratic societies.”
The minister stressed the importance of cultural exchange and education in fostering understanding and empathy.
“We must learn from the mistakes of the past and work together to ensure that such atrocities never happen again,” Roth concluded. “We must create a more just and equitable world where the voices of all are heard and where the horrors of colonialism are forever relegated to the history books.”
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Die Bundesregierung a new article on 2024-11-15 09:00 titled “140 Jahre nach der Kongo-Konferenz – Kulturstaatsministerin Roth: „Gedenken auch Auftrag an einer gerechteren Gegenwart zu arbeiten“”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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