Migration, race and citizenship: the postcolonial malus of the Belgo-Congolese in Belgium

In this paper I look at the particular situation of Congolese and Belgian-Congolese citizens in Belgium, the former colonial metropole. From research conducted over ten years within Congolese circles I argue that postcolonial immigrants/citizens have for the last three decades been experiencing a significant social malus. Not only does daily racial discrimination inform and supply it but so also does treatment by the state itself through its various institutions.
Looking at some data collected from political, associative and artistic spheres I argue that the Congolese in Belgium have to deal with a postcolonial malus. My research is grounded on a comprehensive anthropology which privileges the actors’ own perspective. I thereby explore the elements, trends or configurations of the post-migratory situation which may be considered inherited from colonialism. Finally, I discuss the reason why despite three decades of “postcolonial activism”, the postcolonial critique is not a live social issue in French-speaking Belgium.