Belgian Prosecutor to Try 92-Year-Old Man Over Patrice Lumumba’s Death

Brussels, Belgium – June 30, 2025 – In a significant development that reopens a dark chapter in post-colonial African history, the Belgian Public Prosecutor’s Office has announced its intention to try a 92-year-old Belgian man in connection with the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first prime minister. This decision marks a culmination of decades of advocacy and investigation into one of the most controversial political killings of the 20th century.

The accused, whose identity has not been fully disclosed pending formal proceedings, is reportedly a former Belgian official or agent who was present in Congo during the tumultuous period following its independence from Belgium.

The charges are expected to relate to his alleged role in the events leading to Lumumba’s brutal murder, an act widely believed to have involved Belgian complicity.

Patrice Lumumba, a charismatic and pan-Africanist leader, served as the DRC’s prime minister for less than three months after the country gained independence in June 1960. His vision for a truly independent and unified Congo, free from foreign interference, clashed sharply with Belgian and Western interests, particularly concerning the country’s vast mineral wealth. He was overthrown in a coup, arrested, and ultimately executed on January 17, 1961, with his body dissolved in acid.

For years, Belgium officially denied any direct involvement in Lumumba’s death. However, parliamentary inquiries and historical research, notably a 2000 Belgian parliamentary commission, acknowledged “moral responsibility” for the circumstances surrounding his assassination. This inquiry highlighted that while Belgium did not issue a direct order for his killing, it was aware of the plot and failed to prevent it, and some Belgian officials actively facilitated his transfer to his executioners.

The decision to prosecute, coming more than six decades after Lumumba’s death, underscores a persistent demand for justice from Lumumba’s family and human rights advocates. The legal path has been arduous, involving numerous complaints and investigations. The advanced age of the accused presents unique challenges for the judicial process, but the prosecutor’s move signals a commitment to addressing historical injustices.

Observers suggest that while a conviction might be difficult given the passage of time and the complexities of evidence, the trial itself will serve an important symbolic purpose. It could provide a degree of closure for the Lumumba family and contribute to a more complete historical reckoning of Belgium’s colonial past and its role in the early years of Congolese independence. The proceedings are expected to draw significant international attention, reigniting debates about accountability for historical crimes and the legacies of colonialism.