Belgian 1978 Operation Red Bean Remembrance Plaque

Large copper commemorative plaque honoring the Belgian Operation Reb Bean in 1978, Kolwezi, Zaire (Congo). The plaque shows some minor wear. The date, May 20th, marks the day Belgian troops arrived in Kolwezi.

Operation Red Bean (1978) was a Belgian military intervention in Kolwezi, Zaire (Congo) during the Shaba II crisis. Rebels had taken over the mining town, threatening locals and European expatriates. Belgian paratroopers were sent to evacuate and protect hundreds of Europeans, while French forces carried out a parallel operation. The mission successfully rescued many civilians and restored order, though the conflict caused significant casualties among locals and combatants.