| Basile Chiefdom | |
| Official Name: | Chefferie de Basile |
| Settlement Type: | Chiefdom |
| Pushpin Map: | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Type2: | Territory |
| Subdivision Name1: | South Kivu |
| Subdivision Name2: | Mwenga Territory |
| Timezone1: | CAT |
| Utc Offset: | +2 |
| Blank Name Sec1: | Official language |
| Blank Info Sec1: | French |
| Blank1 Name Sec1: | National language |
| Blank1 Info Sec1: | Kiswahili |
| Leader Title: | Mwami |
| Leader Name: | Kalenga Riziki Lwango II |
The Basile Chiefdom (French: Chefferie de Basile) is a chiefdom located in the Mwenga Territory of South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It shares borders with the Luindi Chiefdom to the east, the Wamuzimu Chiefdom to the west, and is bounded by the Shabunda Territory and Walungu Territory to the north, as well as the Itombwe Sector to the south.[1] [2] [3]
The chiefdom is predominantly inhabited by the Lega people, who form the major ethnic group within its boundaries. Serving as a local governance structure for their community, the chiefdom is overseen by a traditional leader known as the Mwami, who maintains law and order, resolves conflicts, and preserves Lega customs and traditions. Besides the Lega people, the Basile Chiefdom also accommodates migrant populations from neighboring areas, including the Walungu Territory and Kabare Territory.[4]
Administratively, the Basile Chiefdom is divided into ten groupements (groupings or groups), which are further subdivided into eighty-two localités (villages). Each groupement is governed by a customary chief known as the chef de groupement. Similarly, each village is led by a customary chief. These village and groupements chiefs play key roles in the composition, organization, and operation of the chiefdom. They also maintain crucial relationships with the State and provincial authorities.[5] [6]
In 2018 the groupements of Basile Chiefdom were:[7]
The Basile Chiefdom is situated in the eastern region of the DRC, sharing borders with Rwanda and Burundi. It is known for its diverse terrain, which includes lush hills, valleys, and plateaus. The region has a moderate altitude, ranging between 800 and 1600 meters, and features a predominantly flat plateau with expansive, gently sloping valleys. While the presence of mountains is limited and scattered throughout the area, the chiefdom boasts abundant underutilized forest cover, which encompasses two-thirds of its land. The remaining portion is adorned with verdant grassy vegetation.
The chiefdom is watered by the presence of several streams and rivers, among which the prominent ones include Kikuzi, Lulimunyu, Kyoka, Lushiga, Kilimata, Mwana, Kasitenge, Bilahile, Kizumbe, Namusindiki, and Zalya. These water bodies provide a critical source of hydration for the region. Incidentally, the rainy season brings a temporary and seasonal network of channels and ravines. These rivers also act as natural borders in the northwest, notably in the Itombwe sector. The considerable number of water resources in the area implies the potential for groundwater, including thermal springs. Water sources are integral to the daily life of the chiefdom as they support a variety of activities such as agriculture, fishing, and domestic use.[8]
The Basile Chiefdom, along with the entire Mwenga Territory, is situated in a hot and humid tropical zone, characterized by copious rainfall ranging between 1600 and 2200 mm per year.[9] In the western part, the temperatures are high, while the eastern part enjoys a milder climate due to the moderating effect of altitude. The chiefdom experiences two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts approximately three months, from June to August. During this period, a dry and refreshing wind blows, accompanied by mild temperatures. Following the dry season, the region transitions into the rainy season, which spans around nine months, from September to May. The onset of the rainy season is heralded by heavy rainfall, often referred to as critical rains. The wind blows hot and humid, sweeping from east to west, and from south to north.[10]
The area is marked by volcanic-derived soil originating from the basalt found throughout the Mwenga-Kadubo plateau. This natural soil is inherently rich in nutrients, but it has been depleted due to extensive leaching, which causes the mineral elements to be washed deeper into the ground. Beneath the chiefdom's surface lies a diverse range of minerals, including gold, cassiterite, coltan, and wolfram. These minerals play a crucial role in the region's geological makeup and provide a chance for mineral exploitation.[11] [12]
Mineral extraction activities are organized into various groupements (groupings) within the chiefdom:
The establishment of the Basile Chiefdom dates back to the arrival of Belgian settlers in the Urega region. The region was already home to local traditional leaders who held power within their respective communities. Among them, Kalenga Kitoga Ishinga was accredited as a traditional indigenous chief in 1913. However, his insubordination led to his demotion and the rise of Chief Longange Mpaga, who took control of the Wamuzimu Chiefdom in 1926. Kalenga Kishinga's resistance continued, but he faced relocations and unfortunate circumstances, ultimately losing his life in 1932. On March 31, 1960, just before the Congolese Independence Day, the Wamuzimu Chiefdom was divided, giving birth to the Basile Chiefdom. Mwami Kalenga Lwango, the grandson of the honored resistant leader Kalenga Kishinga, assumed leadership of the newly formed Chiefdom.[13] [14]
Since 1996, the Basile Chiefdom has been plagued by ongoing conflict and insecurity due to the First Congo War. The war impacted the eastern region of the DRC, leading to widespread violence and chaos that affected even the most remote areas of the chiefdom. During this turbulent period, various armed factions emerged, vying for power and resources in the area. The dense forests and vast jungles that cover the Basile Chiefdom provided an ideal base of operations for these groups, with the thick foliage and rugged terrain acting as a natural shield, allowing the armed factions to hide, regroup, and launch attacks.[15] [16]
In July 2010, approximately sixty people were reportedly taken hostage by alleged FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) fighters in Kagulu, a location situated between Isopo and Kamituga in the Bashimwenda groupement within the Basile Chiefdom.[17]
On August 12, 2011, the FDLR attacked the Lukatu quarry, located 35 kilometers northeast of Kamituga in the Basile Chiefdom. According to civil society in Kamituga, two people were reported dead, and several diggers were reported missing. The locality of Lukatu was looted, and a man was shot dead. The assailants then kidnapped and cut the throat of the head of the Tubindi Sele locality near Ngando in the Balobola groupement.[18]
On September 27, 2011, five people were reportedly killed in the locality of Mukono in the Basile Chiefdom. According to local authorities, the attackers slit their throats and left them lying on the floor. Following the killings, the head of the Basile Chiefdom urged the government to expedite the deployment of soldiers trained in the regiments to their jurisdiction.[19]