Belgium is set to commemorate the 100th birthday of Patrice Lumumba, the assassinated leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a major exhibition and renewed discussions about accountability for his death.
The exhibition, titled Lumumba Everlasting, will open in Brussels later this year, showcasing rare archival materials, personal artefacts, and historical documents related to Lumumba's life and legacy. The event coincides with growing demands for Belgium to confront its colonial past and acknowledge its role in Lumumba's 1961 assassination.
A Controversial Legacy
Lumumba, Congo's first democratically elected prime minister, was a fierce advocate for independence and pan-Africanism. His brief tenure in 1960 was cut short by a coup supported by Western powers, including Belgium. He was later captured and executed under circumstances that remain shrouded in controversy.
Belgium has faced increasing pressure to address its colonial crimes, particularly after a 2020 parliamentary inquiry confirmed Belgian involvement in Lumumba's murder. The exhibition is seen as a step toward reconciliation, though many activists argue that symbolic gestures must be followed by legal accountability.
Calls for Justice
Alongside the exhibition, Belgian authorities are reportedly considering reopening an investigation into Lumumba's death. His family has long demanded a formal trial to hold those responsible to account.
"This isn't just about history—it's about justice," said a spokesperson for the Lumumba Foundation. "Belgium must finally admit its role and take concrete steps to make amends."
The exhibition is expected to draw international attention, particularly from African diaspora communities and historians. Organisers hope it will spark broader conversations about colonialism, reparations, and historical memory.
