NGAND a BILOND

Ngand a Bilond (circa 1700-circa 1750) was responsible for consolidating and extending the Lunda empire in both the Lualaba River and the Lake Mweru areas of what is now the Shaba region. As Kazembe (governor) of vast eastern regions, he conquered local people and integrated them into the Lunda system.

Ngand a Bilond was the son of Cinyat Mfemb, who ruled the Kosa (Ako) people, living just north of what is now Mutshatsha, about 100 km (62 mi) west of what is now Kolwezi. Although originally not within the Lunda empire, the Kosa was defeated by the Kazembe Mutand Yembiyemb, who established his headquarters at Cinyat’s capital. Cinyat and his family then became loyal vassals of the militarily powerful and ritually prestigious Lunda.

Mutand Yembiyemb, however, acted treacherously by withholding information about the source of salt in his newly-conquered land, and by killing Cinyat Mfemb, who had informed the Mwant Yav of his insubordination. After removing Mutand Yembiyemb from office, the Mwant Yav replaced him with Ngand Bilond (meaning “land of metal”), whose given name had been Idim a Kaumb. The new Kazembe, Ngand a Bilond, then launched a campaign against Mutand, who fled south and was heard of no more.

After the disappearance of Mutand, Ngand a Bilond organised the administration of the conquered land, between the Lubudi and the Lufira rivers. Meanwhile, to the north of Kecila (near what is now Kolwezi), his commanders created armed chiefdoms, or military marches (i.e. border regions), stop the incursion of the Luba Samba. Some years later, Ngand a Bilond crossed the Lualaba River with a large army. He then went through Sanga and Lamba territories, adding to his forces with local contingents and levying tribute from the people subjected to his rule.

As he pushed eastward, Ngand a Bilond learned that it would be difficult to cross the Luapula River. Thus, he decided to go north around Lake Mweru. Arriving at the Kundelungu, he met resistance from Chief Mufunga’s people, the Lomotwa, who were supported by Luba forces. The Lundas first entrenched themselves and then attacked the Lomotwa, who surrendered after two days of fighting. The Lomotwa chief Mufunga was decapitated by Mushima Kainda, chief of the Kaonde people, who had rallied to the Lunda invaders.
But, on the following day, Ngand a Bilond fell ill. He died some days later.

TSHIBANGU KABET MUSAS