Belgian Diplomat to Stand Trial in Lumumba Murder Case

BRUSSELS, March 17 – A Brussels court has ordered a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat, Etienne Davignon, to stand trial in connection with the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister. This marks the first prosecution related to the murder, as all other suspects have died. Lumumba, a key figure in Congo’s independence from Belgium in 1960, was ousted months after taking office and killed by Belgian-backed rebels in January 1961. Prosecutors allege Davignon, a junior diplomat at the time, participated in Lumumba’s unlawful detention and transfer, denying him a fair trial and subjecting him to degrading treatment. He is also accused of involvement in the deaths of two of Lumumba’s allies. The case was initially brought by Lumumba’s family, seeking truth and accountability. His granddaughter, Yema Lumumba, called the court’s decision “a step in the right direction.” Though Belgium was previously found “morally responsible” for Lumumba’s death, this trial represents a historic moment in confronting the nation’s colonial past. Davignon, who later held prominent positions including EU Commissioner, has previously denied any wrongdoing and has two weeks to appeal the charges.