LocationWalungu is located within the Bushi region of eastern
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and sits between the Equator to the
north and the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. Lodged between the massifs of Mitumba on the west side of the Rift Valley, the mountain climate is mild and dry, owing to it's altitude. The temperatures rise to a maximum of 28°C against a minimum of 18°C, with a yearly average of 24°C. There are two distinct seasons: the Wet Season, lasting from June to mid-September, and the Dry Season, however the region experiences regular rainfall and the temperature rarely exceeds 28°C. As a consequence, the region is fertile and vegetation is green all year round. PeopleThe word “Shi” designates an inhabitant of the Bushi region, and thus the people of Walungu. This region is inhabited by the “Bashi's” (plural), or “Mushi” (singular). The language of the inhabitants of the Walungu is the Mashi. The Bashi’s are organized in a decentralized feudal system. Thus each household is an owner of land, upon which a residence and subsistence farming is established. In the Bushi, buying food is sign of poverty – one should be self-sufficient. The population of Walungu are intimately connected with the local environment, and dependant upon the practice of agriculture and raising livestock. It is in this area where food and livestock production was high prior to the last war. GovernmentThe Bashi is divided into nine sovereign
kingdoms - Burhinyi, Kaziba, Lwindi, Ngweshe, Kabare, Katana, Nindja Idjwi,
Chinda and Luhwindja. Each Kingdom is lead by a “Mwami”. To assist in managing his kingdom, the Mwami leads a council of educated men - a parliament representing his court, and each of the districts of the Kingdom. Walungu is the largest of sixteen districts within the Ngweshe kingdom. Each district is lead by a representative of Mwami. The district is further subdivided into villages, each also lead by a representative of the Mwami. At this level, the Mwami is very close to the administration to enforce distributive justice, division and allocation of land, and to organize security within village areas. Arts and CraftsThe Bashi people of Walungu display a rich and varied cultural heritage. Their literature has received acclaim, particularly the writings of Father Kagaragu Ntabaza. Hi masterpiece “Emigani bali Bantu” is a compilation of proverbs. He has related thousands of proverbs dealing with all aspects of life, such as justice, family, spirituality, economy and education. If one were to characterize the Bashi, it would be through the proverb Mulangane (rough translation: "be sure about each other"). This conveys the ideals of justice, generosity, solidarity and respect. Guillaume Kahomboshi |
