Kongolo (or Nkongolo) was a leader of
Luba people
The Luba people or Baluba are an ethno-linguistic group indigenous to the south-central region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The majority of them live in this country, residing mainly in Katanga, Kasai and Maniema. The Baluba Tribe ...
in the region of
Katanga, and the first king of the
Luba Empire. He built his capital in Mwibele, near
Lake Boya
Lake Boya is a small lake about east of Kabongo in Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The lake is surrounded by high reeds, and has a thriving population of birds.
In the pre-colonial period the region around Lake Boya w ...
.
Kongolo Mwamba was trying to extend his kingdom in conquering the Songye neighbouring chiefdoms.
He met a prince of the
Kunda people on behalf of
Ilunga Mbidi through its sisters who had met at the lake; Mbidi, being a late military strategist, helped Kongolo expand his Kingdom. The popularity and the growing power of Mbidi Ilunga overshadowed that of Kongolo, who was advised by his entourage to organize a conspiracy to eliminate Mbidi. With the help of his wives, Ilunga Mbidi absconded by leaving women and children while returning to Kunda.
A son of
Ilunga Mbidi and nephew of Kongolo,
Kalala Ilunga
Kalala Ilunga (b. 16th century) was a Prince, King and one of the emperors of Luba Empire, the latter of which spread over the province of Katanga (before cutting) into Zambia and Zimbabwe. A mythic cultural hero who had invented much of Luba cu ...
, took the place of his father as one of the generals among the warring forces. He also became very powerful, which overshadowed Kongolo. Kongolo tried several times to remove his nephew but failed. At the last attempt, Kalala Ilunga decided to end it, and defeated and killed Kongolo after a victory on the battlefield. After severing the head and genitals of Kongolo, he was proclaimed Emperor, or ''Mulopwe''.
References
African kings
Year of death unknown
Year of birth unknown
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