Africans fought in World War II. However, their stories are not always told. Many gave their lives in the fight against fascism, even though they did not have independence. Albert Kunyuku passed away in January of 2022. He was the last surviving Congolese veteran of World War II. The Democratic Republic of the Congo mourned his passing. Kunyuku saw combat in Burma. He joined the Force Publique in 1940. Colonial troops were essential to the liberation of Axis held territory in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Belgium came under Nazi rule, but Congolese were not willing to accept new colonizers. While most of the war in Africa was fought in the North, East Africa had to be freed from Italian control. African soldiers took part in aiding Ethiopia's fight to free its self from Fascist Italy. Albert Kunyuku's death is a reminder of how important it is to record history. More scholarship must be done of the African soldier experience and contributions during World War II.
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