The African Great Lakes region has been the scene of multiple conflicts and instabilities for centuries. Since the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and the endless war in the Congo, the situation has continued to deteriorate. However, it is important to emphasize that these conflicts are not new to the region. In reality, war of conquest and struggles for power took place for centuries, causing millions of deaths.
Let’s look back at the history of the region. A strip of land known as Bukunzi acted as a buffer zone between the Kingdom of Ruanda and the other kingdoms beyond Lake Kivu and the Ruzizi River. Bukunzi was a small Hutu kingdom rebelling against Rwanda and the German colonizers. Despite the takeover of Rwanda by the Belgians after the First World War, Bukunzi continued to resist. However, the death of King Ndagano Ruhagata marked a turning point.
Ndagano Ruhagata was the last king of Bukunzi and his death in 1923 led to the collapse of the kingdom. The Queen Mother and her children were hunted down and killed, and the country fell under the control of the court of Rwanda. Ndagano Ruhagata was of Shi or Mushi origin, and his lineage had been rebels against the kings of Ruanda for generations. One of the reasons for this tolerance was their meteorological knowledge. The Bami of the Bukunzi were famous for being able to cause rain, which earned them the nickname “rain kings” in colonial literature. This meteorological knowledge ensured the survival and autonomy of Bukunzi for centuries.
The fall of Bukunzi was a tragic event for the region. The links between Bukunzi and the kingdom of Bushi, located in South Kivu, were close. Bukunzi served as a refuge for the populations in times of crisis and also provided seasonal workers for the settlers. The disappearance of the kingdom had a significant impact on these communities.
So, even though recent conflicts have amplified instability in the Great Lakes region, it is important to understand that these troubles are rooted in a history of wars of conquest and rivalry between kingdoms for centuries. The region continues to face many challenges and it is crucial to seek lasting solutions to foster peace and stability.
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– https://fatshimetry