Belgian court sends ex-diplomat, 93, to trial over 1961 murder of Congo leader

2026-03-17 - 14:50

Étienne Davignon is charged with participation in war crimes in relation to killing of then PM Patrice Lumumba A former Belgian diplomat , 93, should stand trial over alleged complicity in the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of what was then the newly independent Congolese state, a Brussels court has ruled. Étienne Davignon, the only person still alive among 10 Belgians the Lumumba family accuses of involvement in the killing, is charged with participation in war crimes. Continue reading...