Belgian court orders trial of ex-diplomat for Congo independence icon Patrice Lumumba's killing

A Belgian court orders a 93-year-old former diplomat to stand trial over Patrice Lumumba’s 1961 assassination, in a rare case tied to Belgium’s colonial past. On Tuesday, local media say a court ordered the trial of Etienne Davignon, the last living accused among 10 Belgians suspected in the killing. Prosecutors charge him with participation in war crimes. They focus on Lumumba’s detention and transfer before his death. Davignon has two weeks to appeal and denies wrongdoing. Lumumba led Congo’s push for independence in 1960 and served briefly as prime minister. His body was never found.