Belgium returns Congo independence hero Patrice Lumumba’s tooth to family

Patrice Lumumba (European Press Agency/PA)

Belgian authorities have returned a gold-capped tooth belonging to the murdered Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba, as the former colonial power continues to confront its bloody past and look towards reconciliation.

The restitution of the relic took place after Belgium’s King Philippe earlier this month expressed his “deepest regrets” for his nation’s abuses in its African former colony, Congo, which is 75 times the size of Belgium.