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Congo. A history

Based on hundreds of oral history interviews
 

There is hardly a more troubled nation at the beginning of the twenty-first century than Congo, the giant country in the heart of Africa, bursting with resources indispensable in our modern age – as well as horrific conflicts. How could Belgium’s former, relatively peaceful colony, independent since 1960, change so much?”

 

David Van Reybrouck describes the bewildering history of Congo, from well before the arrival of the explorer Stanley to the influence of China in the last decade and the recent economic crisis. Van Reybrouck draws not only on rare archival material and groundbreaking research, but above all on hundreds of oral history interviews he conducted with Congolese people. His eyewitnesses range from centenarians to child soldiers, from rebel leaders to smugglers, from ministers to cassava sellers. Their stories the author has integrated into his great history.

 

More information on the book and David van Reybrouck can be found here

LAMMIE, the Hash cutter

Rik Bouman

Senior Private Banker at Van Lanschot. Podcast Host, Speaker, Sports freak

 

LAMMIE-DE-HASJKOTTER

 

Also listen to “Hé Pa” by the same author:

 

HE-PA-HET-SPORTLEVEN-IN-DE-JAREN-60

It is known as the smuggling trip of all smuggling trips when, in March 1974, the HD 160, better known as Lammie, sets sail for Lebanon. The most extraordinary characters get involved in this adventure. And who actually knows about this smuggling trip even before the fishing boat has set sail? Bizarre circumstances on the way out and the most insane chase by the Navy, Customs and the National Police on the return trip. And then suddenly the Lammie has disappeared. This adventure is seen as the beginning of large-scale police action against drug trafficking.

 

The Reconstruction of My Life

Cooperation
For the development and production of the exhibition, the Ongekend Bijzonder team worked closely with the Central Library.

Fifteen life stories of Rotterdam residents who once had to flee. Fifteen stories that show how they rebuilt their lives in Rotterdam. Ferdows Kazemi adapted the stories from Ongekend Bijzonder, Mladen Pikulić made the portraits. And Harry Hoek of the Central Library Rotterdam designed the exhibition, inspired by the ideas of Enzo Mari.

The exhibition introduces us to the history of fifteen Rotterdam citizens, to objects that are dear to them and to their perception of Rotterdam. The emphasis of the stories is on the reconstruction of their lives in Rotterdam, each story expressed in about 400 words. Of course, we would be doing the storytellers a disservice if we were to claim that their stories can be summarised in such a limited number of words. We only lift a tip of the veil here. The complete interviews, together with all interviewees in Rotterdam, can be found at the Stadsarchief Rotterdam and DANS.

For all portraits, go to ongekendbijzonder

Rotterdam Celebrates the City!

The exhibition linked up with Rotterdam viert de Stad! a manifestation about 75 years of reconstruction. The exhibition could be seen in the Central Library in Rotterdam from 12 May to 10 June 2016. An excellent opportunity to involve new Rotterdam residents. In the review RvdS writes: The exhibition attracted over 200,000 visitors!

 

Publication
The exhibition was accompanied by the publication“De wederopbouw van mijn leven” and a online magazine.

The fact that my story is now reflected in this exhibition means that, after 35 years, I feel for the first time like a real Rotterdammer

 

Rotterdam is my home, offers me opportunities and appreciates my artistic presence. It is a city with a lot of potential in which to grow. I am looking for space to grow. And space for growth is not something you get for free, you have to make an effort. That is the least you can do for the city that is your home and gives you peace and quiet. You create space not only for yourself, but also for the people around you. This increases the quality of your life and that of others.

 

Juan Heinsohn Huala met zijn dochter Lisa en Hortensia Bussi, weduwe van Salvador Allende, bij het onthullen van het Salvador Allende-monument in Rotterdam, 1992

Juan Heinsohn Huala with his daughter Lisa and Hortensia Bussi, widow of Salvador Allende, at the unveiling of the Salvador Allende monument in Rotterdam, 1992