After two postponements, will the Belgian authorities return the remains of Patrice Lumumba to his family in a month to the day, on June 20, in Brussels? This is announced by the entourage of Felix Tshisekedi. But for now, no one confirms the holding of this ceremony.
Patrice Lumumba, figure of Congolese independence, was assassinated in January 1961 at the age of 35. His body was then dissolved in acid. A tooth belonging to him was found five years ago in the daughter of a Belgian policeman, responsible at the time for removing the body of the statesman. It is expected that this tooth will be returned to the relatives of Patrice Lumumba.
► To read also: Belgium: the long history of Patrice Lumumba’s tooth
A member of Félix Tshisekedi’s entourage assures him: the restitution will take place on June 20 at the Egmont Palace, in Brussels, in the presence of the family of Patrice Lumumba and the current Congolese president. The concern is that for the time being, neither the family nor the Belgian authorities confirm the holding of such an event on this date and in this place.
Does the Belgian government really want to organize a major ceremony? It’s to do. The subject is sensitive. Belgium is implicated in the assassination of the first Congolese Prime Minister. In 2002, Louis Michel, the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, had presented to the Congolese people his ” excuses for his country’s role in this disappearance.
Once returned, the body is supposed to be presented through the DRC, according to this same source in the entourage of Felix Tshisekedi. But is this course of tributes unanimously accepted within the Congolese presidency? Some seem to doubt it. It should also be noted that this restitution and all the planned tributes have already been postponed twice. ” There is such improvisation around this event that I think things are going to get rushed in the last few weeks. “says a Belgian source.
Even in the last days, after the visit of King Philippe of Belgium to the DRC. A trip from June 7 to 13 on which Belgian and Congolese officials now seem to want to focus as a priority.