par Tilman, Samuel
Référence Revue Belge d'histoire contemporaine, 28, 3-4, page (363-404)
Publication Publié, 1999
Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : The scouting organisation applied very rigid criteria for the recruitment of its members right from the beginning of its establishment in Congo during the early 1920s. Compulsory school attendance, control of the French language, reproachless moral behaviour, and a certain affluence were the main conditions for the enrolment of the native youth in the scouting institution. This rigorous selection conducted by the Congolese branch of the youth organisation was in fact modelled on a certain elitist policy applied in Belgium and the rest of Europe. The foremost objective of occidental scouting was indeed to mould a moral elite capable of taking on future responsibilities as adults. This article aims to demonstrate that the scout ideal advocated in the Congo is closely linked up with the mode] of westernised native ("évolué") widespread throughout the Belgian colony: the native boy-scout had to be a responsible citizen "towards the native masses", an example for his fellowmen to follow in patriotism as in religion. As a "school for the élite", scouting developed progressive racial policies very early on, appointing African Scouts leaders in the 30's and allowing certain activities to be shared by native end European children as early as the 40's. By the end of the 50's scouting is even quoted in some publications as symbolic of a successful racial cohabitation. Due to the strong moral training, the numerous inter-racial contacts established within the movement and a high level of instruction, many scouts came to occupy important professional positions and/or influential political offices on the brink of the independence. The concluding part of this article thus aims to disclose the role played by some of the main leaders and former scouts in the independence process.

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