Lumumba Assassination Case Returns to Belgian Courts after 65 years

Six decades later, the quest for truth in Patrice Lumumba assassination case continues.

byTemi Iwalaiye

January 26, 2026

Patrice Lumumba Assassination Case Returns to Belgian Courts after 65 years. Credit: Modernghana

Belgian ex-diplomat Etienne Davignon, aged 93, is facing legal proceedings in Brussels because of his alleged involvement in the assassination of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba in 1961.

Avignon was an intern in the foreign ministry when it all happened. He faces charges linked to Lumumba’s illegal detention and mistreatment. These charges were brought following a 1999 parliamentary inquiry that implicated Avignon; Lumumba’s family then filed a criminal complaint in 2011.

On January 20, 2026, the Brussels Criminal Court’s Council Chamber heard his defense as he seeks to avoid a trial.

The Assassination of Patrice Lumumba

This case is a pivotal moment in Belgium’s owning up to its dark colonial history because Lumumba was an important figure in the fight for Congolese independence. He was brutally killed and dismembered due to his activism against Belgian colonial rule.

Lumumba was ousted from his position as the Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of Congo by Belgium officials in September 1960, subsequently detained two months later, and ultimately assassinated in January 1961.

Davignon is currently the only surviving suspect among ten Belgian officials identified in a 2011 complaint from Lumumba’s family, which caused the investigation into this historical assassination to be brought up again.

After over a decade of sporadic inquiries, Belgian prosecutors have urged that the case be brought to trial, highlighting Davignon’s alleged participation in war crimes in Congo.

ALSO READ: Meet Lumumba Vea: The Human Statue Who Froze AFCON 2025 for DR Congo

Doesn’t the Statute of Limitations Apply?

Can the assassination of Patrice Lumumba be prosecuted after 65 years? Under international law, crimes like genocide and war crimes have no statute of limitations. The culprit can be investigated and prosecuted even decades after the crime.

The Brussels Criminal Court will rule on whether to proceed with the trial ahead of the next hearing on March 17, 2026. Meanwhile, Lumumba’s family is considering filing a civil complaint against the Belgian government if Avignon is not be prosecuted in time.

About The Author

Temi Iwalaiye

Temi Iwalaiye is a writer and editor. When she’s not writing viral content or coming up with exciting content strategy, Temi is busy embracing her quirky hobbies like colouring and knitting.

Reach out to her at temi.iwalaiye@nbgafrica.com to get your story published.

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