Descendants of a Congolese Chief Fight for the Return of His Skull from Belgium
In the late 19th century, Lusinga Iwa Ng’ombe, a powerful local leader in the Congo, fiercely resisted Belgian colonial invaders. His defiance against the Belgian troops led to his brutal death in 1884, with his decapitated skull ending up in a box at the Institute for Natural Sciences in Brussels.
Now, over a century later, his descendants are fighting for the return of his remains, as part of a larger debate on Europe’s responsibility for colonial atrocities and the restitution of plundered heritage. Despite efforts by several European countries, including Belgium, to set up guidelines for the return of artifacts, the process has been slow and fraught with challenges.
Belgium, in particular, has faced criticism for its reluctance to confront its colonial past. King Leopold II’s brutal rule over the Congo, resulting in the deaths of millions, remains a dark chapter in Belgian history. While some steps have been taken to acknowledge this past, such as King Philippe’s expression of regret in 2020, the issue of restitution of human remains remains unresolved.
Thierry Lusinga, a great-grandchild of Chief Lusinga, has been leading the charge for the return of his ancestor’s skull. Despite sending multiple letters to Belgian authorities, including the Royal Palace, he has yet to receive a response. The discovery of Chief Lusinga’s skull prompted Belgium to conduct an inventory of human remains held in its institutions, revealing a troubling history of colonial acquisition and exploitation.
As Belgium grapples with the legacy of its colonial past, the debate over the restitution of human remains continues. While a draft law has been proposed to regulate claims for restitution, critics argue that it does not go far enough in addressing the concerns of affected communities. For Thierry Lusinga and his family, the return of Chief Lusinga’s skull is not just a matter of justice but also a way to honor their ancestor and provide him with a proper burial.
The story of Chief Lusinga’s skull serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of colonialism and the importance of confronting difficult histories. As the debate over restitution continues, the voices of those directly affected by these injustices must be heard and their demands for justice and recognition must be met.
