BRUSSELS — A Belgian court has ruled that 93-year-old Etienne Davignon can stand trial over his alleged role in the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, in a case that has long symbolised colonial-era injustice.
The court found there was sufficient basis to proceed with charges linking Davignon to events surrounding Lumumba’s arrest, transfer and alleged mistreatment before his execution by firing squad.
Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was overthrown in a 1960 coup and killed months later under circumstances that have drawn international scrutiny for decades.
Long-running case
The legal proceedings stem from a complaint filed in 2011 by Lumumba’s family, who have sought accountability for his killing.
Davignon is the only surviving suspect among several individuals previously linked to the assassination, making the case particularly significant as one of the last opportunities for judicial review.
The court’s decision can still be challenged through an appeal.
Colonial legacy and accountability
Belgium, the former colonial power in Congo, has previously acknowledged its role in the events leading to Lumumba’s death.
In recent years, the Belgian government issued formal apologies to both Lumumba’s family and the Congolese state, recognising its “moral responsibility” in the assassination.
Lumumba’s body was never formally recovered after his execution, with reports indicating it was secretly dissolved in acid in an attempt to erase evidence.
Family welcomes ruling
The latest court decision has been welcomed by Lumumba’s relatives, including his grandson, who described it as a step toward long-awaited justice.
The trial, if it proceeds, is expected to draw global attention as it revisits one of Africa’s most consequential political assassinations and the enduring legacy of colonial interference on the continent.
