How many people died in the Belgian Congo during imperialism?

Estimates of the number of people who died in the Belgian Congo during the period of Imperialism, particularly under King Leopold II's rule from 1885 to 1908, vary widely. Some historians suggest that around 10 million Congolese people may have died due to exploitation, forced labor, disease, and violence. The exact figures are difficult to determine due to the lack of reliable records and the scale of the atrocities. This period is marked by severe human rights abuses and has had lasting effects on the region.