Why was the DRC colonised and by who?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was colonized primarily by Belgium, under the personal control of King Leopold II, who sought to exploit its vast Natural Resources, particularly rubber and minerals, for profit. Leopold's brutal regime, which began in the late 19th century, resulted in widespread suffering and significant population decline due to forced labor and harsh conditions. In 1908, international pressure led to the Belgian government taking control, but exploitation and oppression continued until the DRC gained independence in 1960.