MAI MUNENE

Mai Munene (who flourished in the mid-seventeenth century) founded the Lunda-related chiefdom, or state, of Mai Munene, located at the confluence of the Kasai and Tshikapa rivers. Mai Munene is both the name of the polity and the title of all the chiefs who have ruled there.

The creation of the Mai Munene state was closely related to 17th century Lunda expansion begun by Kinguri, who founded the Imbangala kingdom of Kasanje in Angola. Lunda advances continued as Kapenda Mukwa Ambungo created the Shinje state, 250 km (150 mi) south of modern Kikwit, and as Mwene Putu Kasongo began the Yaka state, 250 km (155 mi) southeast of Kikwit.

Once Kapenda had settled east of the Kwango, the Lunda court tried to extend its power to the northwest by sending the warrior Mujinga to fight and conquer the Tufia and other people in that area. After Mujinga had been disgracefully beaten, the Lunda rulers at Musumba then sent Kombana Mutombo and Mai Munene against the Tufia. Once the two lieutenants succeeded, Mai was charged with ruling over the vanquished people, while Kombana Mutombo continued west and settled in the region between the Lutshiko and the Loange rivers.

In addition to the Tufias, Mai also subjugated some Tupokoto, Kete, and Bashilange. Mai’s attempts to conquer some Pende groups, however, failed completely. In Mai’s long, painful war against the Pende, chief Kombo, who commanded the Pende troops, distinguished himself by his bravery and acquired a legendary reputation. The Pende won a complete victory, maintaining their autonomy.

Although Mai Munene’s chiefdom later experienced a strong Luba influence, its Lunda origin was never forgotten.

SIKITELE GIZE a SUMBULA