Witness History Africa's stolen Metis children
In 1953, in what was then the Belgian Congo, four-year-old Marie-José Loshi was forcibly removed from her family's village and taken more than 600km away to live in a Catholic institute.
The cause of her kidnapping was the colour of her skin. Under Belgium's colonial rule, thousands of mixed-race children were taken from their homes and separated from their families. The state hoped the actions would quash any sense of revolt against the colony.
More than 70 years later, Marie-José and four other women took on the former colonial power, seeking justice for themselves and the many other mixed-race children that suffered the same fate. She speaks to Kaine Pieri.
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the 'Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.
(Photo: Marie-José Loshi. Credit: Marie-José Loshi)
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Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe
Pals have shared how Lydia reacted after Arg was arrested for attacking his beauty queen ex ARG'S ROCK Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe HE cheated on her multiple times, sent her abusive messages and at one point she told him: 'I despise you". Yet to the confusion of millions of Towie fans who have followed their journey from lovers, to enemies, and now the best of friends, Lydia Bright is sticking by James Argent after he violently assaulted his Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson. 12 Lydia Bright has stuck by James Argent in the wake of his assault arrest Credit: Instagram 12 James in Spain attending a court 'rehabilitation' programme Credit: BackGrid 12 Argent attacked Nicoline Artursson who had shared a social media post which appeared to take a swipe at his close relationship with Lydia Credit: Doug Seeburg 12 James and Lydia's up and down relationship get Towie viewers hooked for years Credit: Rex A friend who knows both Lydia and Arg very well tells The Sun: 'When it comes to what happened with Arg and Nicoline, Lydia would never condone violence and has made that very clear to James, but she doesn't think that he is a violent man and she knows he deeply regrets the events of that night. "She has stuck by him, even though she doesn't agree with his actions - just as his other mates like Mark Wright have." Caught in the crossfire Lydia found herself publicly dragged into the fallout when a deleted instagram post from Nicoline, shared in the hours before the assault, appeared to take aim at her. Nicoline's social media message - deleted after she posted it to her 32,000 followers around 10:44pm on May 4 - read: 'Is it OK if your boyfriend is talking and hanging out with their ex and the family daily and liking their Instagram posts? The post continued: 'Then your partner blames you for seeing it, now the ex is supposedly their 'best friend'. If you're in a serious relationship you've got to respect your partner and leave the past in the past.' Hours after she deleted the message, disgraced James got into an explosive row with Nicoline and pushed her down some stairs at her apartment in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Quickly arrested and brought to court, Argent received a six-month suspended prison sentence for domestic abuse and was banned from contacting Nicoline. He pleaded guilty to 'mistreating' the former Miss Sweden, who was taken to hospital with horrific injuries. But while many would forgive Lydia for running a mile from her friendship with Arg after this latest scandal, she has remained loyal because, as those in her inner circle tell the Sun, the pair are "more than just mates, they're like family." Why Lydia stayed loyal A pal reveals: 'James and Lydia went through a lot when they were young and in a relationship but despite all the drama - they have stayed the closest of friends. Horrific injuries James Argent inflicted on his beauty queen girlfriend revealed as star avoids jail for horror attack 'There have been rocky moments, but they've both grown up together and there's a bond between them that can't be broken. 'They think of themselves as being kids on Towie, young and silly. Now they're adults and support each other. 'James is very much seen as part of her extended family and is very close to her mum, Debbie, and sister Romana. Their families are very tight knit." Indeed, Lydia becoming a mum to her daughter Loretta, five, who she shares with her ex, Lee Cronin, has only brought her closer with James - who is said to be 'like an uncle' to the little girl. Our insider adds: 'James was thrilled when Lydia became a mum and loves to spend time with her little girl Loretta – he absolutely dotes on her and loves treating her. He wants children one day and is very paternal, like an uncle." 12 James in 'like an uncle' to Lydia's daughter Loretta Credit: Instagram 12 James and Nicoline in happier times before that dark night in May Credit: Instagram @real_arg His darkest hours Lydia has also been Arg's rock at every testing time in his life including his long battle with obesity and drug addiction. When he revealed that he feared eating himself to death as his weight skyrocketed to 27st during his lowest ebb, later enduring several stints in rehab, Lydia was always there for him. 'Lydia's been a constant to James during his struggles with his weight and when he was losing himself to drugs," says a pal. 'She's only ever wanted the best for James and when he's been at rock bottom, she's always been there to lift him back up. "She sees the best in him - and knows what he's really like as a person and says he has a very good heart." Of course, those in James and Lydia's orbit often thought the childhood sweethearts would one day find their way back to each other romantically. 'There was a time when people thought James wanted Lydia back - it's obvious he does think about what their life could have been like if they stayed together. 12 At one point James weight rose to 27 stone Credit: The Mega Agency 12 He also has been open about his battle with drugs - which Lydia also supported him through Credit: Rex Features 'But that ship has sailed - James values the friendship so highly, it's the same for her. 'They speak regularly and see each other as much as they can - it's the same with James with Lydia's family. He'll pop in for a cuppa with Debbie and she sees him like a surrogate son.' The list of women he cheated with Arg and Lydia's love story started off screen nearly two decades ago when they were teens and their drama-filled romance made legendary TV on the ITVBe show - gripping viewers with its constant twists and turns. Both were OG cast members and viewers were completely gripped by their love story. During one iconic episode he bought her Mr Darcy for Christmas - a pet 'micro' pig which ended up growing to full size. At one point, the couple were engaged and planned to move in together but were hit by a series of cheating scandals and fall outs - in one scene Arg had to read a list of people he'd cheated with. He admitted kissing Amy Childs and bedding Gemma Collins and Lydia, on the same day, on a jaunt to Marbella. Even after multiple breakups (Arg's addictions were blamed for their many woes), they managed to maintain a friendship spanning 18 years. 12 James and Lydia were childhood sweethearts Credit: Getty Images - Getty 12 Their rocky rows played out on Towie Credit: Rex 12 James slept with Gemma Collins and Lydia on the same day, causing a huge drama Credit: Rex Features Fat jibes But there's been a dark side to their union. James was accused of sending vile messages to Lydia, calling her a "sl*t" for sleeping with someone else, after their breakup in 2012. He was later exposed for sending Gemma a series of abusive fat-shaming texts -reportedly referring to her as a "fat joke of a woman," saying she had "more rolls than Greggs." As late as 2020, Gemma revealed Arg had called her a "hippo" and a "fat f**k" when she shared screenshots of the vile abuse on Instagram. Arg and Lydia's relationship timeline The Towie pair go way back with their bond spanning 18 years and ups and downs 2008 : James and Lydia begin dating he was 20 and she was just 18. : James and Lydia begin dating he was 20 and she was just 18. 2010 : Both appear as original cast members on TOWIE, bringing their relationship into the spotlight and under public scrutiny for the first time. : Both appear as original cast members on TOWIE, bringing their relationship into the spotlight and under public scrutiny for the first time. 2012 : The couple end their relationship after five years after Arg allegedly relapses into his cocaine habit. Arg's party lifestyle was a huge source of contention, with most of their rows revolving around him keeping secrets from her and slipping back into his bad ways. : The couple end their relationship after five years after Arg allegedly relapses into his cocaine habit. Arg's party lifestyle was a huge source of contention, with most of their rows revolving around him keeping secrets from her and slipping back into his bad ways. Arg and Gemma Collins begin their romantic relationship in 2012, shortly after Arg's split from Lydia and she begins dating his 'rival' Tom Kilbey. December 2014 : Arg checks himself into The Priory and is rumoured to be spending Christmas in Rehab. : Arg checks himself into The Priory and is rumoured to be spending Christmas in Rehab. 2015 : They rekindle their romance, with their renewed relationship featured on TOWIE : They rekindle their romance, with their renewed relationship featured on TOWIE 2016 : James and Lydia split again, amid claims she caught him on a cocaine binge. : James and Lydia split again, amid claims she caught him on a cocaine binge. 2017 : Lydia discovers that James cheated on her, and it comes to light he slept with both her and Gemma Collins on the same day during a trip to Marbella. : Lydia discovers that James cheated on her, and it comes to light he slept with both her and Gemma Collins on the same day during a trip to Marbella. 2019 : Despite their past, James and Lydia remain friends, with James stating they are "extremely close again" and have kept their renewed friendship "low-key and behind closed doors." : Despite their past, James and Lydia remain friends, with James stating they are "extremely close again" and have kept their renewed friendship "low-key and behind closed doors." 2021 : James expresses fondness for Lydia, acknowledging her support and their enduring friendship. : James expresses fondness for Lydia, acknowledging her support and their enduring friendship. 2023: Lydia confirms that she and James remain good friends, emphasizing the strong bond they share Lydia also spoke about Arg controlling her during their time together saying: ''He could be so jealous and in the end it killed me. 'He was suffocating me and holding me back. He was insecure. He got so scared he was going to lose me he'd say, 'I can't let you do this and I can't let you do that'. 'He didn't even like me going out and every time I did, it was a drama.' 'Sad, lost and insecure' During one scene Lydia told him that she hated him saying: "I don't want us to ever be friends. I don't want you to speak to my friends and family. You made me hate you. When I look at you, I despise you." And she insisted he was 'sad, lost and insecure.' "We were getting a house, getting engaged, but nothing was ever enough for you,' she told him. "I tried to hold your hand through life, I gave you everything. "It's really sad because you give this front that you're this really happy person, loveable Arg but there's something in you that is so sad and lost and insecure.' Friends of the pair insist, however, that this is all water under the bridge and has only made the former couple's bond even stronger. 'Lydia and Arg have been through it all together. They have seen the best of each other, but also the worst of each other, but it's cemented an unbreakable bond between them. 'There is a deep love there that goes beyond any romantic relationship and they will always have each other's back. Lydia might not always agree with everything Arg does, and he has hurt her many times over the years, but she will always be there for, through thick and thin.'
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit tourist's heartbreaking tribute to girlfriend before vanishing on stag do
Greg Monks vanished during a stag do in Portugal last week, sparking a week-long search for the 38-year-old until a body was tragically found in ravine on Wednesday A Scottish man whose body has been found after he disappeared while on a stag do in Portugal paid a touching tribute to his girlfriend before his death. Greg Monks, 38, went missing during a stag party in the tourist hotspot of Albufeira in the early hours of May 28 sparking a major search that also involved his parents and girlfriend flying out to help look for him. He was last seen on CCTV in the residential area of Cerro de Aguia, located roughly four miles away from the main bar area. And tragically Portuguese police gave an update on Tuesday saying that the body of a 38-year-old man had been found in the search for Greg. Greg had been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Nicole Kelso, with first pictures of the pair appearing on social media in 2019. The Scot even made a public declaration of love to his long-term partner on his Instagram profile, where he penned her name alongside a heart for all to see. Following his disappearance, Nicole used her own social media platforms to appeal for information on his whereabouts. Sources from the law enforcement said investigators believe Greg, from Glasgow, got lost and fell to his death as he tried to get back to his hotel. Authorities said that having investigated possible paths he may have taken, they found a body in the Cerro de Aguia area. Because it laid undiscovered for a week in high temperatures, the body had started to decompose. The well-placed police source said: 'There is nothing at this stage to indicate this man's death was linked in any way to a crime. But we need to wait for the autopsy results to conclude that is the case.' He added: 'Our belief is he lost all notion of where he was after drinking heavily and finding himself in an unfamiliar place, and that he jumped over a wall and fell to his death. The body was already in a state of decomposition when it was found.' The last known photo of Greg shows him smiling while out wearing a dark-coloured Nike top and dark trousers. It is believed the snap was taken before Greg and his friends left the Novochoro Apartments hotel and made their way toward pubs in Albufeira. Greg went missing the following day having told friends he would return to his hotel on his own following several hours of drinking. He was last spotted on CCTV in the residential area of Cerro de Aguia, about four miles away from the main bar area.
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
Tragic last picture of man who vanished during Portugal stag do before grim body find
Tragic last picture of man who vanished during Portugal stag do before grim body find Greg Monks vanished last Tuesday evening just hours after arriving in the Algarve Greg's body was discovered yesterday morning (Image: Facebook ) This is the heartbreaking final picture of Greg Monks before he mysteriously disappeared during a stag do in Portugal. Greg Monks, from Cambuslang near Glasgow, vanished last Tuesday evening, just hours after landing in the Algarve with his mates. The last known photograph of the 38-year-old shows him grinning, sporting a dark Nike top and matching trousers. It's thought this picture was taken prior to Greg and his friends departing from the Novochoro Apartments hotel, heading towards the pubs in Albufeira. Greg went missing the next day, having told his friends he would return to his hotel alone after several hours of drinking. He was last seen on CCTV in the residential area of Cerro de Aguia, roughly four miles from the main bar area. Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here . His abrupt disappearance triggered an extensive search, with both his parents and girlfriend flying out to join. Tragically, Portuguese police announced yesterday they had discovered a body during their search for the 38-year-old, reports the Mirror. Greg had been on a stag do when he vanished last week (Image: Facebook ) Article continues below Sources claimed that police suspect Greg became disoriented and tragically fell to his death while trying to find his way back to his hotel. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, including the routes he might have taken. The hill in the Cerro da Aguia area, where police believe he was on the night he disappeared, is approximately one hour away from where Greg parted ways with his friends, while his holiday apartment was about 30 minutes away. Greg's body was not discovered for around a week, by which time it had begun to decompose in the soaring temperatures. A police insider said: "There is nothing at this stage to indicate this man's death was linked in any way to a crime. But we need to wait for the autopsy results to conclude that is the case. His sister said he will be missed everyday (Image: Facebook ) "Our belief is he lost all notion of where he was after drinking heavily and finding himself in an unfamiliar place, and that he jumped over a wall and fell to his death. The body was already in a state of decomposition when it was found." Article continues below After the devastating news, Greg's sister Jilian said her brother was "an amazing boy". She added: "Didn't think it would end like this. We are absolutely devastated. Greg was an amazing boy who everyone thought so highly of, was friends with everyone and always made us laugh! We will miss him everyday." Jilian continued: "I just want to thank absolutely everyone for everything they done from sharing their posts to out looking, phoning everywhere to get CCTV. The support we have received from everyone has been out of this world. If love coulda saved you, you would live forever! Miss you forever brother."
