Mbuji Mayi

Mbuji-Mayi (formerly Bakwanga) serves as the capital of Kasai-Oriental Province in the south-central Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations Mission World Urbanization Prospects places the population at 2.3 million (2007).

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.

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 Congolese civil war. People came from Thikapa (Kasai Occidental) fleeing from conflict. They locate themselves at the place currently called Kalala wa Nkata.

Culture and Economy

As a commercial center, Mbuji-Mayi handles most diamond mining, panning, and production in the Congo. Societé minière de Bakwanga and Diamant International are the major diamond producers in the area.

Despite its large population, the city remains extremely remote, having little connection to surrounding provinces nor to Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.

This Democratic Republic of the Congo location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e

v • d • e Capitals of the Provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2006 Constitution) Sankuru • Bas-Uele • Kongo Central • Kwango • Kwilu • Mai-Ndombe • Kinshasa • Kasaï • Lulua • Kasaï oriental • Lomami • Maniema • Sud-Kivu • Nord-Kivu • Ituri • Haut-Uele • Tshopo • Nord-Ubangi • Mongala • Sud-Ubangi • Équateur • Tshuapa • Tanganyika • Haut-Lomami • Lualaba • Haut-Katanga

Coordinates: 6°09′S 23°36′E / 6.15°S 23.6°E / -6.15; 23.6[[bg