Belgian authorities are requesting DNA samples from children adopted from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to determine whether their biological parents are still alive, amid concerns that some adoptions may have involved kidnappings. Around 15 adoptive families have been contacted as part of the investigation, according to Belgian media.
Prosecutors suspect that some parents were misled into sending their children to what they believed was a holiday camp in Kinshasa, rather than an orphanage. The Tumaini orphanage, from which the children were adopted, has since been closed.
The case follows revelations in 2017 that four children adopted from the orphanage had been falsely declared as orphans. Belgian journalists traced the children’s families hundreds of kilometers from Kinshasa, who said they had sent their children with a youth organization for a camp and never saw them again.
Since then, authorities have investigated additional adoptions from the same orphanage between 2013 and 2015. DNA tests are being requested to confirm the identities of the biological parents, although the children have been living in Belgium for several years and are well-integrated.
Lawyers representing adoptive families say the tests will not affect the children’s status but emphasize the need to hold those responsible for the illegal practices accountable. Belgian-Congolese lawyer Julienne Mpemba, former head of the orphanage, is also under investigation.
Wow, this is a stunning revelation. How could such a thing happen? 😮
Thank you for shedding light on this serious issue. More awareness is needed. 🙏
How long have these investigations been going on? Seems like a long process.
This is heartbreaking. I can’t imagine what those families are going through.
Is there any update on Julienne Mpemba’s investigation?
What are the consequences for the families if biological parents are found? 🤔
It’s shocking to hear that this went unnoticed for so long!
Belgium authorities are doing the right thing. Justice must be served.