In brief
A Belgian court has paved the way for a trial against Etienne Davignon, a former diplomat accused of involvement in the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first prime minister and a symbol of anti-colonialism. As the only remaining accused party, Davignon's prosecution marks a crucial moment in recognizing Belgium's historical responsibility regarding its colonial past in Congo. Lumumba was executed in 1961 following a coup, with allegations of Belgian complicity in his death, raising ongoing debates about accountability and reparative justice.
A Belgian court has ruled that a former diplomat can stand trial in connection with the killing in 1961 of Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first prime minister. Etienne Davignon, now 93, is accused of involvement in the unlawful detention and transfer of Lumumba and of his degrading treatment. Davignon was a trainee diplomat at the time and went on to become a vice-president of the European Commission. He is the only surviving member of the 10 Belgians accused in a criminal case brought by Lumumba's family in 2011.The independence hero was executed by a firing squad and his body was dissolved in acid. Belgium, the former colonial power, has recognised its responsibility and apologised both to Lumumba's relatives and the Democratic Republic of Congo - as the country is now known. The leader's grandson, Mehdi Lumumba, welcomed the decision by a Brussels court that Davignon could stand trial, stating, We are all relieved. Belgium is finally confronting its history. The ruling is subject to appeal. Lumumba was appointed prime minister after Congo gained independence in June 1960 and was a prominent voice in Africa's anti-colonial movement. Despite Belgium having relinquished power, Lumumba was seen as a threat to its continued influence in the region. He famously criticized Belgian colonial rule during his independence speech and was ousted in a coup just months after taking office. A 1975 US Senate inquiry found that the CIA had plotted to assassinate him, though the plan was not executed, resulting in Lumumba's eventual death by Belgian-backed forces.
