Nothing can be built on hatred, bitterness, or on vengeance. - Joseph Kasa-Vubu

Our experience has taught us that mutual confidence and respect between partners constitutes the basis of success of all efforts at unity.

I proclaim in the name of the nation the birth of the Republic of the Congo!

Belgium then had the wisdom not to oppose the current of history, and-a deed without precedent in the story of peaceful decolonisation-she let our country pass directly from foreign domination to full independence.