My Training Is Deeply Christian and I Am Against Violence’

Jason Sendwe, the Balubakat, and the Katangese Secession, 1957–64

Bibliographic Data

ID8977534
AuthorsReuben Loffman (0000-0002-7060-5852, Queen Mary University of London, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume61
Issue2
Pages263-281
Publication date2020-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of African History (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0021-8537 • E-ISSN: 1469-5138
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s002185372000033x
OpenAlexW3049501041
LanguageEN
References cited37

This article examines the Baluba Association of Katanga (Balubakat) from its creation in 1957 until its dissolution in 1964, as well as its leader Jason Sendwe. Despite not receiving much scholarly coverage hitherto, Sendwe and the Balubakat played an important part in undermining the Katangese secession, along with the UN and the Congolese National Army (ANC). This article's focus on the Balubakat and Sendwe challenges the traditional historical focus on top parties, such as the National Congolese Movement (MNC), and their leaders, such as Patrice Lumumba, when examining Congolese decolonisation. Sendwe's pragmatic, non-aligned stance helped the Balubakat maintain the support of powerful institutions, such as the Great Lakes Railway Company (CFL). His ability to hold the Balubakat together also derived from its members’ common wish to oppose the Katangese secession. Yet the efficacy of Sendwe's leadership was best demonstrated after the party disbanded following his assassination

Decolonization · Focus (optics · Nationalism · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Secession · Sociology · African history and culture studies · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Gender Studies · History · Law · South African History and Culture

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