The renovation of the Parc de Bruxelles, the largest public park in the Belgian capital, has sparked a heated debate about decolonisation. The park, built in the late 19th century, includes a fountain featuring a bronze statue of King Leopold II, who colonised the Congo in the late 19th century. The statue has been the target of criticism for decades, with some calling for its removal.
In response to the debate, the Brussels City Council recently announced that the statue will remain in the park, but will be accompanied by a plaque that acknowledges the atrocities committed by Leopold II.
The council also announced that it will work to increase the park’s diversity by planting more trees from Africa and introducing public art from African artists. The debate has been welcomed by many local activists, who hope it will lead to further conversations about decolonisation in Belgium.