From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
South Kasai was a secessionist region in the
area of south central Republic of the
Congo (Léopoldville) during the early 1960s. The
region sought independence in similar circumstances to neighboring
State of
Katanga during the political turmoil arising from the decolonization of
Belgian Congo.
Ethnic conflicts and political tensions between leaders of the
central government and local leaders plagued the diamond-rich region.
Secession
On 14 June 1960, days before the colony was to become
independent, officials declared the independence of Kasai (not of
Congo) and proclaimed the Federal State of South Kasai. On 8 August
1960, the autonomous Mining State of South Kasai
was proclaimed with its capital at Bakwanga (present-day
Mbuji-Mayi). Albert Kalonji was named president of
South Kasai and Joseph Ngalula was appointed head of
government.
An assembly of notables invested Kalonji's father with the
imperial title of Mulopwe on 12 April 1961. The new
emperor immediately abdicated in favor of his son, who thereafter
ruled South Kasai as Mulopwe (Emperor or King)
Albert I Kalonji. On 16 July, Kalonji rejected royalty status, but
retained the title of Mulopwe and changed his name to Albert I
Kalonji Ditunga.
Reintegration
After a bloody four month military campaign during which
thousands of civilians were massacred, troops of the Congolese
central government re-conquered the region and arrested Kalonji on
30 December 1961, thus ending the South Kasai secession.
Kalonji attempted to set up a new government following an escape
from prison on 7 September 1962, but it was terminated less than a
month later.
Under the subsequent regime of Joseph Mobutu (Mobutu
Sese Seko), the former South Kasai was divided to discourage
separatist sentiment or activity.
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