Brussels to Rename Road Tunnel Linked to Belgium’s Colonial Past

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The proceeds laid the foundation for the modern-era prosperity of Belgium, a country of 11.5 million people and home to European Union institutions.

"This is a very good idea because we start being made aware in school of the crimes that (Leopold II) committed. Changing to a woman's name, I find that good for equality," said 17-year-old high school student Romain Noppe.

Rwandan nurse Theogene Fatakanwa, 49, who lives in Brussels and regularly uses the tunnel, agreed.

"If it is a matter of changing (the name) because of the history of Congo, then we are on a good path," she said.

But 71-year-old Brusselite Alain Moons said: "Even if (Leopold II) has done things that are not right, that is no reason to erase history."

(Writer: Gabriela Baczynska | Editor: Janet Lawrence)

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-belgium-tunnel/belgium-seeks-new-name-for-road-tunnel-as-it-takes-on-colonial-past-idUSKBN25Z21P