Musumba

Initially, the capital did not have a clear location, each new ruler ( Muato Yamvo ) built for himself his own residence. All of them were located in one area, not far from each other ^{[1] [2]} As a result of these actions, a city appeared with fenced yards, wide streets and a square ^[3] .

Musumba played an important role in the 16th century ^[4] .

The first mention of the settlement by Europeans dates back to 1882. Then it was described by the researchers Capello and Ivans ^[5] . In 1896, a representative of the Congo Free State visited the city. He was struck by the size and sight of Musumba; the capital was surrounded by moats and fortifications. The population of the city of that period was estimated at 30 thousand people. According to these estimates, Musumba was the largest settlement in Central Africa at the end of the 19th century ^[6] .

In 1875, the Chokwe people were allowed to settle on the banks of the Kasai River . A few years later, the Choekwe refused to pay tribute to the Muato Yamvo. Mudiba, who ruled at that time, was killed in the second battle with the enemy. The Chokwe captured Musumba and turned its inhabitants into slaves. A new ruler named Mukins managed to recapture the city, but in the next battle he fled. To know removed him from power. In 1887, the influential leader of the chokwe besieged the capital, as a result of which the ruler Mushiri lost power, and the chokwe ruled the country for 10 years ^[7] .

In 1898, Mushiri gathered the soldiers and attacked Makov, who was defeated after 3 days. At the same time, European colonialists invaded Lund . An attempt to attack them ended in failure. The fight against the European colonial forces continued until 1909 , when rebel leaders were arrested and executed ^{[7] [8]} .

XX century

Today

Musumba, like other African residences located deep in the mainland, did not experience European influence ^[9] . It was believed that sacred animals symbolize the wisdom and longevity of the ruler. The plan of the capital resembled the shape of a turtle . Muato Yamvo Palace, located in the city center, symbolized the heart of the animal, the rest of the buildings - its head, limbs and tail ^{[10] [11]} .

• Chombé, Moise (1919-1969) - politician and statesman, leader of the Katanga Confederation of Tribal Associations party, President of the Katanga State (1960-1963), Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo (1964-1965).