麻豆社

It was one of the most notorious moments in the postcolonial-era in Africa, the murder of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba in 1961. In the turmoil of the time, and as the young nation was threatened by separatist forces, Lumumba was killed by troops fighting for the breakaway province of Katanga and Belgian mercenaries.

His body was dissolved in acid, leaving only a tooth that was taken as a grisly souvenir. This week it has been announced that the tooth is going to be handed back to his family.

Mvemba Dizolele is senior adviser for Africa with the International Republican Institute in Washington.

Picture: Patrice Lumumba
Credit: Getty Images