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South Kasai

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Mining State of South Kasai
État minier du Sud-Kasaï
1960–1961
Flag of South Kasai
Flag
Territorial Control in Congo (1960-61). South Kasai in Blue.
Territorial Control in Congo (1960-61). South Kasai in Blue.
StatusUnrecognized state
CapitalBakwanga
GovernmentMonarchy
Mulopwe² 
Historical eraCold War
June 30, 1960
• Secession
August 8 1960
• Monarchy proclaimed
April 12, 1961
• Defeated
December 30 1961
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Belgian Congo
Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville)
¹ Katangan secession on July 11, 1960.
² Prior title "Supreme Chief of the Muluba People and Protector of the Associated Tribes"

South Kasai was a secessionist region in the area of south central Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) during the early 1960s. The region sought independence in similar circumstances to neighboring State of Katanga during the political turmoil arising from the decolonization of Belgian Congo. Ethnic conflicts and political tensions between leaders of the central government and local leaders plagued the diamond-rich region.

Secession

On 14 June 1960, days before the colony was to become independent, officials declared the independence of Kasai (not of Congo) and proclaimed the Federal State of South Kasai. On 8 August 1960, the autonomous Mining State of South Kasai was proclaimed with its capital at Bakwanga (present-day Mbuji-Mayi). Albert Kalonji was named president of South Kasai and Joseph Ngalula was appointed head of government.

An assembly of notables invested Kalonji's father with the imperial title of Mulopwe on 12 April 1961. The new emperor immediately abdicated in favor of his son, who thereafter ruled South Kasai as Mulopwe (Emperor or King) Albert I Kalonji.

Reintegration

After a bloody four month military campaign during which thousands of civilians were massacred, troops of the Congolese central government re-conquered the region and arrested Kalonji on 30 December 1961, thus ending the South Kasai secession.

Kalonji attempted to set up a new government following an escape from prison on 7 September 1962, but it was terminated less than a month later.

Under the subsequent regime of Joseph Mobutu (Mobutu Sese Seko), the former South Kasai was divided to discourage separatist sentiment or activity.

External Resources