Belgian ex-diplomat dies before standing trial over 1961 murder of Congolese leader
Summary
Étienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat, died before he could stand trial for his alleged role in the 1961 murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. Lumumba was the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was killed after being ousted from power in a case linked to Belgium’s colonial history.Key Facts
- Étienne Davignon was charged with war crimes related to the 1961 killing of Patrice Lumumba.
- Lumumba was the first prime minister of the country now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Lumumba was removed from power and killed by Belgian-backed rebels in January 1961.
- Davignon was accused of wrongful detention and denying Lumumba a fair trial.
- He was also implicated in the murder of two Lumumba allies, Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito.
- Davignon denied the charges and died while appealing the court’s order to stand trial.
- He was the last living person charged in connection to the case, which reopened a painful part of Belgium’s colonial past.
- Davignon had a long career as a Belgian diplomat, European commissioner, and businessman, and was made a count in 2018.
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