**Belgian Court to Decide Fate of 93-Year-Old Diplomat Over 1961 Killing of Congo's Lumumba** A major development is unfolding in the case of the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the iconic Congolese independence leader. A Brussels court will make a crucial decision on Tuesday, March 21, on whether Etienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat, should stand trial over his alleged involvement in Lumumba's murder. For many in Nigeria and across Africa, Patrice Lumumba's name is synonymous with courage and resistance against colonial rule. The Congolese prime minister was a vocal critic of Belgium's colonial regime and was eventually ousted in a coup. He was subsequently executed, and his body was dissolved in acid, a move that sparked widespread outrage and conspiracy theories. Davignon, who served as a EU commissioner in the 1980s, is the only surviving suspect among the 10 Belgians accused by Lumumba's family of complicity in his murder. If the court grants the prosecutors' request, Davignon would become the first Belgian official to face trial in 65 years, marking a significant step towards justice for Lumumba's family and the people of Congo. The case has been ongoing for several years, with Davignon's lawyers arguing that too much time has passed since the events, making it difficult to bring him to trial. However, Lumumba's relatives maintain that the time is ripe for a long-overdue reckoning. "We are counting on the Belgian justice system to do its job and shed light on history," said Yema Lumumba, 33, a granddaughter of the late leader. This sentiment resonates with many Africans who have long sought justice for the victims of colonialism and its aftermath. The trial, if it goes ahead, will focus on Davignon's alleged role in Lumumba's "unlawful detention and transfer," as well as "humiliating and degrading treatment." Lumumba's story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism on Africa and the need for accountability and justice for historical injustices.