A court in Brussels has ruled that a former Belgian diplomat can be prosecuted over his alleged role in the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Etienne Davignon, now 93, is accused of involvement in Lumumba’s unlawful detention, transfer, and degrading treatment prior to his execution. At the time of the events, Davignon was a trainee diplomat and later rose to become a vice-president of the European Commission.
He is the only surviving individual among 10 Belgians named in a criminal complaint filed by Lumumba’s family in 2011.
Lumumba, a key figure in Africa’s anti-colonial struggle, was executed by firing squad in January 1961. His body was subsequently destroyed with acid in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.
Belgium, Congo’s former colonial ruler, has since acknowledged its role in the events surrounding Lumumba’s death and has issued formal apologies to both his family and the Congolese state.
Reacting to the ruling, Lumumba’s grandson, Mehdi Lumumba, expressed relief, describing the decision as a sign that Belgium is beginning to confront its colonial past. However, the court’s decision remains subject to appeal.
Lumumba became prime minister shortly after Congo gained independence in June 1960. During independence celebrations, he famously criticised Belgium’s colonial rule in the presence of King Baudouin, condemning the oppression endured by Congolese people.
