Bwito Chiefdom | |
---|---|
Chefferie de Bwito | |
Country | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Province | North Kivu |
Territory | Rutshuru |
Government | |
• Mwami | Raphael Nyamulagha Kikandi III |
Time zone | UTC+2 (CAT) |
Official language | French |
National language | Kiswahili |
The Bwito Chiefdom (French: Chefferie de Bwito) is a chiefdom located in the Rutshuru Territory of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is bordered to the north by Batangi Chiefdom and Kanyabayonga commune in Lubero Territory, Bwisha Chiefdom in the east, and to the north-east by Lake Edward and the Republic of Uganda. To the west, it is bordered by Bashali Chiefdom in Masisi Territory, and to the northwest by Wanyanga Chiefdom in Walikale Territory. To the south, it is bordered by Nyiragongo Territory.[1]
The Bwito Chiefdom is predominantly governed by the Hunde people. The traditional chieftain, referred to as the "Mwami," is highly respected and plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order while conserving the cultural patrimony of the Bahunde.[1][2] The region also accommodates Nande, Nyanga, and Twa (Pygmies or Bambuti) from adjacent territories, alongside a minor proportion of Hutus and Tutsis, who were resettled in the mid-20th century by Belgian colonial authorities.[3][4]