Brussels holds a special place in contemporary Congolese history.
For many Congolese exiles, the Belgian capital is more than a refuge.
It is a place of rebuilding, memory and distant political struggle.
The Congolese presence there is old, structured and visible.
Families settled for decades coexist with newcomers seeking protection.
In some neighborhoods, Lingala sounds like an extension of Kinshasa.
But behind cultural familiarity, exile remains heavy.
Starting again often means beginning from zero.
Housing, paperwork, work and integration all become urgent challenges.
Brussels becomes both a transition city and a place of rebirth.