What did Henry Stanley do to help king Leopold of Belgium?

Henry Stanley played a crucial role in helping King Leopold II of Belgium establish control over the Congo Free State. In the late 19th century, Stanley was commissioned by Leopold to explore and claim the Congo River basin, which he did through a series of expeditions. His expeditions not only charted the region but also facilitated treaties with local leaders, effectively laying the groundwork for Leopold's exploitation of the Congo's resources and establishing his rule over the territory. Stanley's actions significantly contributed to Leopold's controversial and brutal administration of the Congo.