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Mixed race of Belgian colonization: blurred roots, broken lives
Because of their skin color, they were separated from their maternal families and placed in religious institutions. This is the story of the mixed-race people of Belgian colonization, those thousands of children of a black mother and a white father who were born between 1910 and 1960 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Four years ago, Belgium officially apologized for the “ Policy of targeted exclusion and forced kidnapping » carried out against them. The government has now launched a research project intended to shed more light on this dark side of the country’s history.
A great report from Laure Broulard, who interviews Patrick Adam.
Eveline Schmit, mixed race, born during Belgian colonization. She shows a photo of her father. © RFI/Laure Broulard
Europe is desperately looking for lithium
There is black gold – oil – and now white gold, as some call lithium. This white metal is extremely light and conducts electricity very well. It is increasingly in demand because it is essential for the production of electric cars as part of the energy transition. Today, lithium comes mainly from Australian and Chinese mines or from salt lakes in the highlands of South America. But at this time of diplomatic and economic tensions between Beijing and Washington, and in the wake of the Covid pandemic (which led to industrial shortages), Europe is seeking to secure its sovereignty in this area.
A great report from Justine Fontaine, who interviews Patrick Adam.
Benjamin Barré, Imerys geologist, in Echassières, in the kaolin quarry where Imerys plans to mine lithium from 2028. © Justine Fontaine/RFI
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