TIME
So swift has been the pace of nationalist pressure in the Belgian Congo, and so harsh its violence, that by last week shaken Belgian leaders (who a few years ago boasted that their economic paternalism would long postpone political freedom) were resigned to an offer of full independence for the Congolese this year. At a round-table conference with 81 African delegates in Brussels, the Belgians agreed to a timetable calling for elections beginning May 16 to choose a Congolese Parliament, to be followed by a declaration of independence on June 30.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Cybersecurity Experts Are Sounding the Alarm on DOGE
- Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
- The Harsh Truth About Disability Inclusion
- Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
- Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
- How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
- Michelle Zauner Stares Down the Darkness
Contact us at letters@time.com