Justice Delayed, But Not Denied: The Legacy of Patrice Lumumba's Assassination The death of Étienne Davignon, a 93 year old Belgian former diplomat, before he could stand trial for war crimes related to the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba has raised questions about accountability and justice in one of Africa's most pivotal moments.
His passing marks a turning point in Belgium's long overdue reckoning with its colonial past.
Davignon was alleged to have been involved in Lumumba's assassination, which took place in 1961 when the Congolese leader was ousted and killed by Belgian backed secessionist rebels.