Mbuji-Mayi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mbuji-Mayi (formerly Bakwanga) serves as the capital of Kasai-Oriental (Anglicized as East-Kasai) province in the south-central Democratic Republic of Congo. The head of the United Nations Mission to the Congo (MONUC) in Mbuji Mayi estimated the city's population at 3.8 million people.[citation needed]
[edit] Geography
Mbuji-Mayi lies in Luba country on the Sankuru River. The name Mbuji-Mayi comes from the local language, Tshiluba and translates as "Goat-Water," a name deriving from the great number of goats in the region and the city's location on the Sankuru, making it a prime watering spot.
[edit] History
Mbuji-Mayi grew rapidly upon Congolese independence in 1960 with the immigration of Luba from different parts of the country. It served as the capital of the secessionist Mining State of South Kasai from 1960-1962 during the ruinous Congolese civil war. People came from Thikapa (Kasai Occidental) flying the deadly thread of people from there. They locate themselves at the place currently called Kalala wa Nkata.
[edit] Culture and Economy
A commercial center, Mbuji-Mayi handles most diamond mining, panning, and production in the Congo. Societé minière de Bakwanga is one major diamond producer in the area.
It is home to Mbuji Mayi Airport.
The city remains extremely remote for its huge population, with little connection to the outside world.
 |
This Democratic Republic of the Congo location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
|
|||||||
