Kaziba Chiefdom

The name Kaziba is derived from the Bazibaziba, a sub-group of the Bashi people historically inhabiting the region.^[5] Originally, the population was known as the Bahanga Nyumpa, meaning "Builders of Houses". However, the name Bazibaziba emerged from a significant historical event involving Kangere, a Mwami of the dynasty.^[5] Kangere committed an egregious act by abducting the cow of his nephew, named Mwihwa in the Mashi language—an offense considered unforgivable. In response, his subjects expressed their disapproval by lowering their heads and closing their eyes, a gesture known as kuziba in Mashi.^[5] This act of collective condemnation led to the name Bazibaziba, meaning "those who close their eyes", which eventually evolved into Kaziba as the designation for the chiefdom.^[6]

Kaziba Chiefdom is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sharing borders with Rwanda to the east and Kabare Territory to the north. It lies about forty kilometers north of Bukavu, measured as the crow flies, and is accessible through a 55-kilometer road section connecting it to Bukavu.^[5] The chiefdom is situated at an altitude ranging from 1500m to 3200m above sea level, situated within the Mitumba Mountains. The rugged relief of Kaziba Chiefdom is characterized by mountains, which cover approximately half of the chiefdom's surface and reach heights of up to 3200m above sea level. The central part of the region is marked by the "V" valley of the Luzinzi River, offering a contrasting landscape amidst the high mountains. Towards the north, plateaus dominate the terrain, specifically in the Cibanda and Cihumba groupements, with an average altitude of 1900m.^[5]

Kaziba Chiefdom is rich predominantly in rivers, streams, and springs. The region is home to approximately 104 rivers, 196 springs, and 30 ponds. Notably, the chiefdom is flanked by significant rivers, including the Kashanja River, Nachibumdu River, Mugaba River, Kabuje River, Nkombo River, Shaliro River, Magaja River, and Luvubu River.^[7]

The Luvubu River originates from Mount Mukono in the southeastern part of Kaziba Chiefdom. It eventually joins the Ruzizi River, coursing between the boundaries of Kaziba and Bafuliiru Chiefdom, dotted with gorges and rapids. The river's left tributaries include Cibunguza, Lurhale, Luke, and Chitanzi, while Kabindja serves as its main right tributary, accompanied by numerous smaller streams.^[7][8] Moreover, Kaziba Chiefdom's water resources encompass two hydrographic basins: the rivers of the Ruzizi watershed and the Luzinzi River, originating from the southern mountain range, particularly the Mubuga swamps. The Luzinzi River flows forcefully through the Kashozi groupement (grouping) before converging with the Lulindja River, forming the valley that bears its name. This river immensely contributes to the chiefdom's prosperity by enabling market gardening, food crop cultivation, and serving as a source of construction materials.^[7][9] Lwashanja River is another significant waterway sourced from Lake Mudekera in the Cirimiro groupement, known for its Lwashanja fall. The river eventually joins the Namuna River in Luhwinja Chiefdom, acting as a boundary between Kaziba and Luhwinja Chiefdoms.^[7]

Aside from rivers, streams, and springs, the chiefdom includes two lakes of undetermined altitude and lacking fish. Lake Mudekera, situated in the center-west of the chiefdom, is accessible by road. On the other hand, Lake Lungwe, located in the extreme southeast of Kaziba Chiefdom, is believed to be the mythical origin of cows in Kaziba society. Despite its lack of fish, both lakes remain relatively unexplored, with Lake Lungwe offering a peek of untouched nature, though oppugning to reach due to the absence of a motorable road.^[7]

The region has a wide range of altitudes and valuable mineral resources. The chiefdom encompassed a rugged terrain with streams flowing on plateaus formed by red corn falls. The plateau valleys are more grounded and feature V-shaped formations.^[7][10] Prominent peaks within the region include Mount Mukono at around 3200m, Mount Kange at approximately 3170m, Mount Mubuga also at around 3170m, Mount Bumwe at 2903m, Mont Ngonone at 2405m, Mount Chinpulungu at 2404m, Mount Nabumbu at 2184m, Mount Ngando at 2025m, Mount Mbogwe at 2025m, and Mount Kahya at around 1900m.^[7] The chiefdom featured notable iron deposits, which conventionally served as the primary metal for cutlery and artisanal tools. Kaziba Chiefdom is also known to hold copper deposits, most notably in the Bulumbwa groupement, although these resources remain untapped. Incidentally, the region is rich in gold, with mining activities concentrated in areas like Kashozi, Butuzi, and Chiburhi. Mining, especially gold and cassiterite extraction from Lwindi Chiefdom, plays a pivotal role in the chiefdom's sustenance.^[7][11][12] Artisanal gold diggers exploit the rivers throughout the region, but the most significant gold deposit is found in the south, within the Kashozi, Butuzi, and Chiburhi groupements at higher altitudes. Additionally, other valuable minerals, such as oil, remain unexploited potential resources.^[7]

Large-Leaved Star-Chestnut (Sterculia quinqueloba) in Walungu Territory

The high-altitude region's vegetation has a diverse topography with stepped formations. The dominant plantations include Cypress, Eucalyptus, Grevillea, and Pinus, which serve as valuable resources for timber production and other industries. The region also has altitude forests with Bamboo and Prunus africana that support wildlife and ecosystem functions. The cultivation of Coffee and Cinchona contributes to the region's economic growth. Amidst the stepped vegetation, altitude forests thrive, providing essential ecological benefits.^[7]

The Kaziba Chiefdom experiences a humid subtropical climate at higher altitudes. The dry season prevails from mid-June to September, marked by reduced rainfall and lower humidity levels. Clear skies and relatively cooler temperatures create favorable conditions for outdoor activities and agricultural enterprises. Conversely, the rainy season starts from September to May, with increasing rainfall and higher humidity levels.^[7]

The Mwami (paramount chief) embodies customary authority, exercising supreme power over both living and non-living entities, including the people, animals, land, and natural resources.^[13] Assisting the Mwami in governance are several hierarchical leaders: Barhwali (Groupement Chiefs), Barhambo (Village Chiefs), Bashamuka (Hill Chiefs), and Bagula (Family Chiefs).^[13] Succession to the throne follows a hereditary principle, with the eldest son traditionally inheriting the position upon the death of the Mwami. When a Mwami is afflicted with an incurable illness, his family and close associates entrust him to the Bajinji, the guardians of tradition, who care for him until his passing.^[13] The Bajinji officially announced his death on the eighth day following his passing, initiating the ceremonial process of transporting his remains to the royal burial site, known as Luvumbu, located in the Kashozi groupement. During the enthronement of a new Mwami, customary regalia are worn, including the Lushembe (crown) and leopard skin, both of which symbolize power.^[13]

Kaziba Chiefdom is administratively divided into groupements (groupings or groups), each led by a chef de groupement (groupement leader), who is directly appointed by the paramount mwami.^[14] Traditionally, these leaders belong to the royal family and are referred to as princes, nobles, Muluzi, or Murhwali. However, in some exceptional cases, non-princes may be appointed to these positions. The three current groupements led by princes are Mulambi, Ngando, and Chiburhi.^[14] Each groupement is further divided into localités (villages), which are governed by customary chiefs. The mwami delegates authority to the groupement leaders, who, in turn, delegate certain powers to village chiefs (Barhambo).^[14] The appointment of village leaders is made by the paramount mwami based on recommendations from the groupement leaders.^[14] The villages are further divided into smaller administrative units known as hills, each under the leadership of a Mushamuka (hill chief), who is appointed by the groupement leader. These hill chiefs oversee the Bagula (family chiefs), who form the foundation of the local social structure.^[14]

As of 2018, the Kaziba Chiefdom is composed of 15 groupements and 58 localités:^[15][16]

According to oral tradition, the origins of Kaziba Chiefdom trace back to Mwami Kangere, considered its first ruler. He was the fourth son of Namuga Mubondo, also known as Namuhoye, the daughter of Mwami Nalwindi of present-day Lwindi Chiefdom, then part of the Urega region of the Lega people.^[17] Namuhoye had seven sons, all of whom became kings: Kabare, Muganga, Nanindja, Kangere, Nachinda, Narhana, and Nalwanda.^[17]

Mwami Kangere was known for his fierce, aggressive, and unscrupulous leadership. His rule became infamous for an incident in which he stole a cow from his nephew, an act considered a grave taboo in Bashi society, as uncles swear oaths by their nephews.^[17] In response, the elder courtiers covered Kangere's eyes with their palms as a symbolic gesture of condemnation. This act, described by the Mashi verb "kuziba" (meaning "to close one's eyes"), led to the name Kaziba, signifying the "land of those who close their eyes".^[17] Consequently, the Bahana Nyumpa ("Builders of Houses") came to be known as the Bazibaziba ("those who close their eyes").^[17]

Before its official recognition under Belgian colonial rule, Kaziba Chiefdom was governed by eleven Bamis (kings), beginning with Mwami Kangere, who ruled from 1677 to 1701.^[14] He was succeeded by Nshulilujo (1701–1725), Ngiringa (1725–1754), and Ngwina (1754–1770). The leadership continued with Chivula Wa Chivula (1770–1788), Karhende Majiri I (1788–1803), and Karhende II (1804–1815).^[14] Kabonwa Ka Bihembe ruled from 1816 to 1823, followed by Mpwiji Majiri II, who led from 1824 to 1860. The reign of Mukenge (also known as Muhirhira) is not precisely documented, but he was followed by Chimanye I, who ruled from 1882 to 1906.^[14]

The official establishment of the Kaziba Chiefdom took place on 12 April 1929, through a decree issued by the district commissioner of Kivu District.^[5] At the time, the chiefdom was under the rule of Mwami Majiri Nnakaziba, who governed from 1906 to 1936.^[14] His successors included Kabonwa II Muhigirha (1936–1965), Chimanye II Kabonwa (1965–2005), and the current ruler, Dirk Majiri IV Chimanye N'nakaziba.^{[14][3][18][19]}

The region has been plagued by conflict and insecurity during both the First and Second Congo Wars. In the second half of October 1996, during the First Congo War, units of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) and the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) massacred 130 civilians in the Kaziba Chiefdom. On October 16 of that year, they callously massacred 36 civilians in the Kaziba Chiefdom's commercial center. The victims' bodies were buried in a mass grave near the Mennonite church in Kaziba Chiefdom's town center.^[20] Incidentally, in the Namushuaga/Lukube district, soldiers slaughtered many civilians with spears and machetes.^[20] In the Cihumba district, where numerous inhabitants had sought refuge, the armed forces killed at least 11 civilians. These atrocities were accompanied by looting of the hospital, stores, and many dwellings in the region. The small local hydroelectric plant also fell victim to the soldiers' destruction.^[20] During the Second Congo War, the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD) rebels emerged, further exacerbating insecurity in the region. RCD forces conducted ruthless attacks on civilian populations, committing human rights abuses, massacres, summary executions, and displacements in the Kaziba Chiefdom and surrounding areas. The rebels employed brutal tactics to assert control over local communities and weaken perceived adversaries.^[21]

Up: An Indonesian MONUSCO woman peacekeeper interacts with Congolese women. Down: The head of a family in Walungu Territory.

Mashi is the predominant language spoken, with over 85% of the population using it as their primary means of communication.^[13] Kiswahili, recognized as a national language, holds the second position in terms of usage. It serves as a unifying language, facilitating communication between the Bashi and other ethnic groups.^[13] French, the official language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is predominantly used in administrative and educational contexts but is not commonly spoken by farmers.^[13]

Association Football is the most popular sport, particularly among the youth. The Association du Football de Kaziba (AFKA) oversees football activities, with Salongo Stadium (Stade Salongo) serving as the primary playing field.^[22] Each groupement has at least one football team. Notable teams include Bukane Football Club and Radi Football Club from Muchingwa groupement, Nouvelle Étoile Football Club from Kashozi, and Nyuki Football Club from Lukube. Other teams, such as Onze Rapide Football Club from Butuzi and Buda Sport Football Club represented Kashanga and Chirimiro groupements.^[22] Additional teams include Football Club Kabembe (Kabembe groupement), Football Club Vinga (Ngando groupement), Football Club Ekenge (Chibanda groupement), Football Club Kafindjo (Bulumbwa groupement), Football Club Chimpwi (Kahungwe groupement), and Football Club Sangara (Muhumba groupement).^[22]

Women's football is also present, with a team that recruits players from across the chiefdom. However, many teams face challenges due to a lack of proper facilities for training and competitions.^[22] This issue is exacerbated by the rugged terrain of Kaziba, which is predominantly mountainous. Salongo Stadium, located in the Muchingwa groupement, is the largest football field in the area but remains undeveloped, with poor playing conditions. Despite these limitations, it serves as the primary venue for championship matches organized by the AFKA.^[22] Apart from football, other sports have a limited presence.^[22] Karate is represented by a single club, Nakashi-Zuki, which operates in the Muchingwa groupement. Volleyball is primarily played within educational institutions, with Institut Technique Médicale-Kaziba (ITM-Kaziba) hosting the only known school volleyball club.^[22]

Traditional games such as Sombi (also known as Muchuba) and checkers are widely played, engaging both adults and youth. The harp remains a significant cultural instrument, producing traditional melodies highly appreciated by the elderly.^[22] Dance performances are integral to Kaziba's cultural landscape, particularly those of the Ntole dancers, who perform for local leaders, as well as groups specializing in Congolese music.^[22] Checkers is a popular pastime among both educated and uneducated youth.^[22]

Kaziba has a single digital cinema, located in Muchingwa. Establishments selling alcoholic beverages are widespread, particularly in the central areas of Muchingwa, Ngando, Chibanda, and Lukube.^[22] In recent years, the chiefdom has witnessed the emergence of musical groups composed of local youth, including Cash Money, Kaziba Boys, and Lil Boys of Muchingwa.^[22]