King Msiri

Ngelengwa Mwenda Msiri (Known as "Mwenda I")

Mwenda of the Yeke Kingdom (Garenganze), Ruler of Katanga (1856–1891)

Born c. 1830

Unyamwezi, Historical Tanzania

Passed Away 1891-12-20 Bunkeya, Katanga, Congo Free State

Lifespan 61 years old

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Notice / Correction

"I am the master of this land; I will not give away my fathers' copper to white men who bring chains."

Archival Overview

Formidable sovereign who founded the Yeke Kingdom (Garenganze) across resource-rich Katanga, maintaining independence through a vast trading empire until his heroic refusal to submit to King Leopold's Congo Free State in 1891.

Biographical Record

Ngelengwa Mwenda, known to history as Msiri, was born circa 1830 in Unyamwezi (Tanzania). Leading trading caravans into southern Katanga, Msiri mobilized superior firearms, forging the powerful Yeke Kingdom centered at Bunkeya.

Msiri controlled the immense copper, salt, and ivory wealth of Central Africa, ruling over an empire spanning thousands of square miles. When British and Belgian imperial expeditions sought his submission, Msiri fiercely refused to cede Katanga. On December 20, 1891, during heated negotiations, Belgian officer Omer Bodson drew his pistol and assassinated Msiri, triggering Bodson's immediate death by Msiri's loyal bodyguards.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Bunkeya Royal Mausoleum (Mwenda Cemetery)
Bunkeya, Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

                         GPS: -10.4000, 26.9670                    

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