Brussels – A Belgian court has ordered 93-year-old Etienne Davignon to stand trial in connection with the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected prime minister of the Republic of the Congo. The decision, handed down Tuesday, March 17, 2026, marks a significant development in a decades-old case that has long been a source of pain and controversy.
Davignon, a former Belgian foreign minister, is accused of playing a role in the events leading to Lumumba’s death. The court’s decision follows a lengthy investigation and renewed calls for justice related to the circumstances surrounding Lumumba’s assassination. Belgian news agency Belga News reported the court’s ruling.
Lumumba was overthrown in a coup in September 1960, and subsequently assassinated in January 1961. His death occurred during a period of intense Cold War rivalry and political instability in the newly independent Congo. The case has been a sensitive topic for decades, with accusations of Belgian involvement in Lumumba’s death persisting for years.
According to Brussels Signal, the court’s decision comes after a long wait for answers from a generation impacted by the events. The trial is expected to shed further light on the events surrounding Lumumba’s death and the extent of any Belgian involvement.
Digital Journal also reported on the court’s decision to proceed with the trial. The move underscores the ongoing international interest in achieving accountability for the circumstances of Lumumba’s death.
Further details regarding the trial date and proceedings have not yet been released. VRT and De Tijd also covered the story.
