Ex-Belgian diplomat ordered to stand trial over murder of Congo's Lumumba

"A 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat has been ordered by a Brussels court to stand trial over the assassination of Congo's first prime minister and anti-colonial icon, Patrice Lumumba, in 1961. Lumumba, who became the prime minister of the country now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo upon its independence from Belgium on June 24, 1960, was ousted in September of the same year and later killed by a Belgian-backed secessionist rebel group just months later on January 16, 1961."

"According to prosecutors, Davignon, who is accused of war crimes, had participated in the unlawful detention or transfer of Lumumba and deprived him of his right to an impartial trial. Prosecutors added that Davignon had subjected Lumumba to humiliating and degrading treatment."

"If the trial goes ahead, Davignon would be the first Belgian official to face the courts in 65 years since the prime minister was killed and his body was dissolved in acid. While 10 people were accused of being complicit in the murder of Lumumba, Davignon is the only suspect alive."

Etienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former European commissioner and junior diplomat, has been ordered by a Brussels court to stand trial for his alleged role in the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first prime minister, who was killed on January 16, 1961. Lumumba was ousted in September 1960, months after Congo's independence from Belgium. Prosecutors accuse Davignon of war crimes, including unlawful detention, transfer of Lumumba, deprivation of fair trial rights, and subjecting him to humiliating treatment. Davignon is also accused of involvement in the murders of Lumumba's political allies Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito. He is the only surviving suspect among ten accused individuals. A 2002 Belgian parliamentary investigation found Belgium morally responsible for Lumumba's death. This trial represents the first legal proceeding addressing Lumumba's murder.

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