The Editor

The history of the Bayeke is inextricably tied to the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically Katanga. The contributions of the Bayeke in the region, an area which they have inhabited for well over 150 years, remain evident.

Katanga, the southeastern province of the D.R. Congo is laden with copious natural resources. Indeed, this wealth has attracted many nations, historical figures, including Msiri, the future King of the Bayeke, who ruled over Katanga, and parts of modern day Zambia. During his time, his manifest influence and far-reaching reputation raised him to legendary status. The lies fabricated about him could be comical, but they continue to inspire imaginative minds, whose opinions are fed by writers who never met him- a factor, which impels us to set the record straight.

Msiri was a man, whom in his context, created a nation, which heretofore lacked national cohesion. With his brave armies, he generally intervened to quell maltreatments wherever they occurred.

He remains a model, an innovator, and a Katangan hero. His introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in Katanga, his adoption of the cross currency instead of bartering, his vision for a prosperous Katanga, and his nationalist stance for his adoptive land bestow him a place in the pantheon of Congolese leaders. His pursuit for fairness, and his administrative qualities still govern many peoples in Katanga and beyond. He refused to kneel to colonial forces, to whom he gave a run for their money. In record time, the fearless and determined Msiri founded the state of modern day Katanga, for which he valiantly lost his life on December 20 1891. Each year, we commemorate the day when the destiny of Katanga was changed.

This website narrates the indisputable facts both past and present, which continue to affect the history of the Bayeke and Katanga.

We the descendants of Msiri have the honor to present to you our ancestor, our customs and traditions, and our glorious page of Katanga and Congolese history.

As editor of this site, I would like to pay homage to the Mwami of the Bayeke, Mwenda Bantu Kaneranera Godefroid Munongo Jr., whose unrelenting support has been instrumental in the creation of this site. Kashinde Mwami!

To our readers, if you have any suggestions, please post them in the space provided, and we will try to respond to them promptly.

Thank you for visiting our site, and enjoy your reading!

Patrick Kalenga Munongo