From 1908 to 1960, a large portion of the Congo was under the rule of Belgium. It was established by the Belgian parliament to replace the previous Congo Free States, as there was international outrage with the abuse of power the private citizens had over the natives. The Belgians view Africans as children who needed to be cared for and taught how to be civil which is known as paternalism. This “parent-child” relationship was heavily exploited by the Belgians as they drained the nation of gold, diamonds, copper, tin, cobalt, zinc, and ivory. The Colony had a plethora of farms ad plantations which were worked by indentured Africans on four-to-seven-year contracts. During the Belgian occupation in Africa, the Belgians build trains, railroads, electric stations, public building, and “civilized” ideas, all which were constructed by forced labor. There were resistances from the African people, but often they were suppressed, silenced, and reprimanded harshly. This harsh setting attracted those who longs for adventure and power and created the setting of Conrad’s famed novel Heart of Darkness.

https://www.britannica.com/place/Belgian-Congo