Provinces of Congo (Kinshasa)

Note: At its foundation in 1885, the Congo Free State was divided into 4 districts, headed by Chefs de Division. Several reorganizations followed and by 1912 their number had increased to 22 (including the four into which Katanga had been divided after its integration into Congo in 1910). From 1913 onwards the districts outside Katanga were regrouped into three provinces, which became headed by vice-governors general, enjoying a certain degree of self-government, by 1924. These four provinces were: Congo-Kasaï, Équateur, Katanga, and Orientale. A new re-organization followed in 1933 when the vice-governments general were broken up into 6 provinces directly dependent on the central government. The provinces were: Équateur, Kasaï, Katanga, Kivu, Léopoldville, and Orientale. 

   At independence in 1960 there were 6 provinces. In connection with the internal troubles of the country the number had risen to 21 in 1963. On 1 Aug 1964 a new "federal" constitution confirmed this fragmentation. After the military coup of Mobutu (25 Nov 1965) the power of the central government was restored and the number of provinces decreased to 12 in Apr 1966 and 8 in Dec 1966 (plus the city of Kinshasa respectively). A presidential decree of 31 Oct 1966 put an end to the last remnants of provincial autonomy. The present number of provinces is 10 (plus Kinshasa). They are grouped below according to the territories of the 6 provinces existing in 1960. Reorganization into 26 provinces according to the constitution of 18 Feb 2006 was scheduled to take effect on 18 Feb 2009.

20 Aug 1917                Équateur/Evenaar province created in Belgian Congo
                             (incorporating the former districts of Bangala, Équateur,
                             Lac Léopold II, Lulonga and Ubangi). 
1933 - 1947                Coquilhatville/Coquilhatstad province created in
                             reorganization.
1947                       Renamed Équateur/Evenaar.
30 Jun 1960                Autonomous province of the Congo republic.
14 Aug 1962                Separation of the provinces of Cuvette Centrale and Ubangi;
                             the remaining part of the province comes under central 
                             administration.
 5 Feb 1963                Remaining part is reorganized as province of Moyen-Congo
                             (Middle Congo).
25 Apr 1966                Cuvette Centrale, Moyen-Congo, and Ubangi are reunited in
                             a new Équateur province.

Deputy Governors-general
1917 - 1919                Georges Brunon Joseph Marie        (b. 1875 - d. 1958)
                             Moulaert 
1919 - 25 Oct 1921         Alphonse Engels                    (b. 1880 - d. 1962)
                             (interim to 19...)
1921 -  4 Oct 1924         Charles Marie Nestor Duchesne      (b. 1881 - d. 1945)
                             (interim to 1922)
Jan 1922 - Sep 1922        Georges Van Der Kercken            (b. 1888 - d. 1953)
                             (acting for Duchesne)
 4 Oct 1924 - 1925         W.E. Parker (interim)
Governors and Deputy Governors-general
1925 - 24 Mar 1933         Charles Marie Nestor Duchesne      (s.a.)
1927 - 1928                J. Jorissen
                             (acting for Duchesne)
1929 - 1930                J. Jorissen
                             (acting for Duchesne)
Commissioners
1933 - 1934                J. Jorissen
11 Jul 1934 - 1935         E. Van de Cappelle                 (b. 1881 - d. 1937)
1935 - 1941                Eugène J.F. Henry 
                             (interim to 193...)
Governors
1941 - 1945                Eugène J.F. Henry
1945 - 1947                Van Hoeck (interim)
1947 - 1950                F. Wenner
1950                       L. Breuls de Tiecken (1st time)
1950                       A. Gille
1950                       L. Breuls de Tiecken (2nd time)
1950 - 1951                Pierre Nauwelaert                  (b. 1903 - d. 1969)
1951 - 1953                L. Breuls de Tiecken (3rd time)
1953                       Comout -Commissioner
1953                       Desmet -Commissioner
1953                       Nicolas Muller -Commissioner
                             (1st time)
1953 - Jul 1954            Maurice De Ryck                    (b. 1900 - d. 1964)
1954 - 1955                Nicolas Muller -Commissioner
                             (2nd time)
1955 - 1956                G. Schmit                          (b. 1908)
1956                       Nicolas Muller (3rd time)
1956 - 1958                Odon Spitaels
1957                       Alphonse De Valkeneer              (b. 1898 - d. 1973)
                             (acting for Spitaels)
1958 - 30 Jun 1960         Alphonse De Valkeneer              (s.a.)
President
30 Jun 1960 - 14 Aug 1962  Laurent Eketebi                    (b. 1936)
Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
25 Apr 1966 -  3 Jan 1967  Léon Engulu
 3 Jan 1967 -  9 Aug 1968  Jonas Mukamba (1st time)           (b. 1929)
 9 Aug 1968 - 12 Mar 1969  Denis Paluku
12 Mar 1969 -  5 Aug 1969  Édouard Bulundwe                   (b. 1932)
 5 Aug 1969 - 23 Dec 1970  Henri-Désiré Takizala
23 Dec 1970 - 19 Mar 1974  Oscar Ngoma 
                             (from 1972, Ngoma Ntoto Bwangi)
19 Mar 1974 - 23 Jun 1975  Mbala Mbabu
23 Jun 1975 - 21 Feb 1978  Loposo Nzela Balombe
21 Jan 1978 - 18 Jan 1980  Namwisi Ma Nkoy
18 Jan 1980 - 27 Aug 1980  Mpambia Musanga Bekaja (1st time)
27 Aug 1980 - 19 Mar 1983  Mukamba Kadiata Nzemba
                             (Jonas Mukamba) (2nd time) 
19 Mar 1983 - 21 Mar 1984  Kititwa Tumansi Benga Tundu        (b. 1929 - d. 2000)
21 Mar 1984 -  1 Jan 1985  Sabi Ngampoub Mubiem (interim)
 1 Jan 1985 - 26 Apr 1986  Mpambia Musanga Bekaja (2nd time)
26 Apr 1986 - 20 Jul 1988  Mokolo Matamba Moful               (d. 1989)
20 Jul 1988 - 11 Jan 1990  Kisanga Kabongelo
12 Jan 1990 - Jun 1990     Fundu Nkota                        (b. 1943)
1990 - 199.                Lwabanji Ngabo Lwasi (interim)
199. - 199.                Christian Eleko Botuna             (b. 1950 - d. 2007)
Oct? 1997 - Nov 1998?      Gabriel Mola Motia
Jan? 2002 - 26 May 2004    Jean-Bertrand Ewanga
26 May 2004 - 24 Feb 2007  Yves Mobando Yogo                  (b. 1955)
24 Feb 2007 -              José Makila Sumanda                (b. 1959)

14 Aug 1962                Creation of the province of Cuvette Centrale.
25 Apr 1966                Part of restored Équateur province.

President (from Oct 1965, governor)
Sep 1962 - 25 Apr 1966     Léon Engulu

 5 Feb 1963                Creation of the province of Moyen-Congo (Middle Congo).
Apr 1963 - 30 Jul 1963     Secessionist province of Bumba in part of province.
25 Apr 1966                Part of restored Équateur province.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
 6 Apr 1963 - Jun 1964     Laurent Eketebi                    (b. 1936) 
                            (de facto from 15 Sep 1962)
Apr 1963 - 30 Jul 1963     Denis Akundji 
                            (president of secessionist province of Bumba)
23 Jun 1964 - 10 Aug 1965  Augustin Engwanda
10 Aug 1965 - 25 Apr 1966  Denis Sakombi                      (b. 1929 - d. 1985)

14 Aug 1962                Creation of the province of Ubangi.
25 Apr 1966                Part of restored Équateur province.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
Sep 1962 - 20 Jul 1965     Alfred Nzondomyo
20 Jul 1965 - 25 Apr 1966  Michel Denge

1918                       Congo-Kasaï/Kongo-Kasaï province created as part of Belgian Congo 
                             by incorporating the districts Bas-Congo, Moyen-Congo, Kasaï, 
                             Kwango and Sankuru.
 1 Oct 1933                Lusambo province created in reorganization (from Kasaï
                             and Sankuru [the two eastern districts of the former
                             vice-government general of Congo-Kasaï] and parts of the 
                             districts of Léopold II [in Équateur] and Lomami [in Katanga]).
1947                       Renamed Kasaï.
 1 Oct 1933 - 1947         Also know as Lusambo province.
30 Jun 1960                Autonomous province of the Congo republic.
14 Aug 1962                Division of Kasaï into five new provinces:
                             Lomami, Luluabourg, Sankuru, Sud-Kasaï (South Kasai),
                             Unité Kasaïenne.
25 Apr 1966                Lomami, Sankuru, and Sud-Kasaï are united in the new
                             province of Kasaï Oriental (East Kasai); Luluabourg and Unité
                             Kasaïenne united to form Kasaï Occidental (West Kasai).
 

Deputy Governors-general
18 Oct 1918 - 1922         Léon Guilain Bureau                (b. 1869 - d. 1944)
1922 - 1925                Alphonse Engels                    (b. 1880 - d. 1962)
Governors and Deputy Governors-general
1925 - 19 Jun 1929         Alphonse Engels                    (s.a.)
19 Jun 1929 -  5 Jan 1932  Joseph E. Beernaert
17 Aug 1932 - 30 Sep 1933  Paul Charles Ermens                (b. 1884 - d. 1957)
Commissioners
 1 Oct 1933 - 17 Aug 1940  Constant Wauters
11 Sep 1940 - 1941         R. Wenner
Governors
1941 -  9 Jun 1944         R. Wenner
 7 Feb 1945 - 21 Sep 1945  R.P. Preys
21 Sep 1945 - 19 Jul 1948  Léon A. Hofkens
19 Jul 1948 - 11 Apr 1952  Firmin Peigneux
11 Apr 1952 - 27 Mar 1955  Roger Le Bussy
20 Apr 1955 - 27 Sep 1955  Jean Paelinck
 1 Oct 1955 - 22 Jun 1958  Antoine Lamborelle
 1 Jul 1958 - 1960         Louis De Jaegher                   (b. 1908 - d. 1973)
1960 - 31 May 1960         Henrotaux (acting)
General Extraordinary Commissioner
31 May 1960 - 30 Jun 1960  Matterne
Presidents
30 Jun 1960 - Dec 1961     Barthélemy Mukenge (1st time)
Jan 1962 - May 1962        André Lubaya                       (d. 1968)
 9 Jun 1962 - 14 Aug 1962  Barthélemy Mukenge (2nd time)

14 Aug 1962                Province separated from Kasaï.
25 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Kasaï Oriental.

President (from 1965, governors)
15 Sep 1962 - Apr 1966     Dominique Manono
18 Apr 1966 - 25 Apr 1966  Jean Marie Kikalanga

14 Aug 1962                Province separated from Kasaï.
25 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Kasaï Occidental.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
Sep 1962 - Sep 1963        François Luakabwanga (1st time)
Sep 1963 - 25 Sep 1964     André Lubaya                       (d. 1968)
25 Sep 1964 - Dec 1965     François Luakabwanga (2nd time)
Jan 1966 - 18 Apr 1966     Constantin Tshilumba
18 Apr 1966 - 25 Apr 1966  François Luakabwanga (3rd time)

14 Aug 1962                Province separated from Kasaï.
25 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Kasaï Oriental.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
14 Sep 1962 - Dec 1963     André Diumasumbu
Jan 1963 - Apr 1963        Athanase Ndjadi (in rebellion)
27 Dec 1963 - Jun 1965     Paul Marcel Sumbu
Jun 1965 - 27 Jan 1966     Benoît Wetshindjadi
18 Apr 1966 - 25 Apr 1966  Étienne Kihuyu

14 Jun 1960                The Luba-Kasaï declare their independence of the
                             province of Kasaï (not from Congo) under the 
                             provisional name Miniére province (made up of the territories: 
                             Tshikapa, Bakwanga, Ngandajika and parts of Tshokwe).
 8 Aug 1960                Proclamation of the autonomous État Minier du Sud-Kasaï.
 1 Sep 1960                Autonomous State of Sud-Kasaï (État Autonome du Sud-Kasaï).
 8 Apr 1961                Federal State of Sud-Kasaï (État Fédéré du Sud-Kasaï).
30 Dec 1961                Reconquest of the region by the central government.
14 Aug 1962                Creation of the province of Sud-Kasaï out of the Bakwanga 
                             and Gandajika territories of the former Kasai province. 
25 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Kasaï Oriental.

President
 9 Aug 1960 - 12 Apr 1961  Albert Kalonji                     (b. 1929)          MNC-Kalonji
                             (from 1 Mar 1961, Albert Kalonji Ditunga)
                             (in Elisabethville, Katanga exile 
                              25 Aug - 29 Aug/3 Sep 1960)
King (style mulopwe)¹
12 Apr 1961 - 14 Jul 1961² Albert I Kalonji Ditunga           (s.a.)
Special Commissioner
Aug 1962 - Oct 1962        Sébastien Ikolo
Presidents (from 1965, governors)
12 Oct 1962 - Jul 1965     Joseph Ngalula                     (b. 1928)
Aug 1965 - 25 Apr 1966     Jonas Mukamba                      (b. 1929)

Prime minister
14 Jun 1960 - 12 Apr 1961  Joseph Ngalula                     (s.a.)             MNC-Kalonji

 ¹On 12 Apr 1961 Kalonji assembled notables and they proclaimed Kalonji's father (Edmond Mukanya Mulenda [d. 1969]) as mulopwe, the traditional Luba imperial style. The new mulopwe immediately abdicated in favor of Albert. In addition, Kalonji also claimed the style: Souverain Possesseur des Terres occupées par les Balubas ("Sovereign and Owner of the Land of the Baluba"). On 16 Jul 1961 he rejected royalty status but retained the mulopwe title. 

 ²Kalonji was arrested 30 Dec 1961, but escaped in 7 Sep 1962 and set up a new government that was terminated in 1 Oct 1962.

Party abbreviation: MNC-Kalonji = Movement Nationaux Congolese-Kalonji (Congolese National Movement -Kalonji faction).

1962                       Territory of Mwene Ditu is intended to become part of the
                             new province of Sud-Kasaï, but as parts of its population
                             want to join other provinces, it is decided to hold a
                             plebiscite and until that time the territory is neutralized
                             and governed separately by special administrators.
                             The territory was also claimed by the provinces of Luluabourg
                             until May 1964 and by Lualaba from May 1964.
19 Apr 1965                Plebiscite decides in favor of Lualaba province; this is
                             not recognized by Sud-Kasaï and unrest follows; as a
                             consequence a state of emergency is proclaimed and a
                             commissioner of the republic takes over.
11 Feb 1966                After a direct intervention of Mobutu, an agreement is reached 
                             between the two provinces and Lualaba gives up its claims.
18 Feb 1966                Territory formally annexed to Sud-Kasaï.

Special Administrators (Administrateurs spéciaux du territoire)
18 Dec 1962 - 30 Apr 1965  Daniel Ilonga
Apr 1965 -  7 May 1965     Antoine Panzout
 7 May 1965 - 15 Sep 1965  Louis Abdala
Commissioner of the Republic
15 Sep 1965 - 18 Feb 1966  Michel Ndju

14 Aug 1962                Province separated from Kasaï.
25 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Kasaï Occidental.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
Sep 1962 - Dec 1963        Grégoire Kamanga
Jan 1964 - Dec 1965        François Minga Mbengele
Jan 1966 - 25 Apr 1966     Robert William Mbombo

Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
25 Apr 1966 -  3 Jan 1967  Jonas Mukamba                      (s.a.)
 3 Jan 1967 -  9 Aug 1968  Henri-Désiré Takizala
 9 Aug 1968 - 23 Dec 1970  Bernard Ndebo
23 Dec 1970 -  9 Jul 1971  André William Ntikala
 9 Jul 1971 - 24 Feb 1972  Derikoye Tite Avungara
24 Feb 1972 - 15 Jul 1972  Boji Ntole
15 Jul 1972 - 19 Mar 1974  Mozagba Ngbuka
19 Mar 1974 - 10 Feb 1976  Matabisi Iyualeke Ilande
10 Feb 1976 - 21 Jan 1978  Kyalwe Mihambo
21 Jan 1978 - 18 Jan 1980  Kamakanda N'koma
18 Jan 1980 - 10 Oct 1981  Efambe Ey'Olanga
10 Oct 1981 - 19 Mar 1983  Zamundu Agenong'Ka
19 Mar 1983 -  1 Jan 1985  Duga Kugbe Toro
 1 Jan 1985 - 10 Mar 1985  Konde Vila Kikanda
10 Mar 1985 - 19..         Mananga Di Toka Polo
19.. - 19..                Bangala Basila
19.. - 19..                Bashala Kantu wa Milandu
19.. - 19..                Kakule Mbayingana
19.. - 19..                Dikonda wa Lumanyisha
Oct? 1997?                 Mbuyi Molomba
27 Nov 1997 - Jan 1999?    Omer Kamba
199. - 199.                Mbala Muana
15 Mar 1999 - 1999         Jean-Charles Okoto
.... - Mar 2001            Paul Kabongo
Mar 2001 - 26 Nov 2001     ....
26 Nov 2001 - 26 May 2004  Jean-Marie Mbala
26 May 2004 - 16 Mar 2007  Dominique Kanku                    (b. 1963)
16 Mar 2007 -              Alphonse Ngoy Kasanji

Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
25 Apr 1966 -  3 Jan 1967  François Luakabwanga
 3 Jan 1967 -  9 Aug 1968  Paul Muhona
 9 Aug 1968 - 23 Dec 1970  André William Ntikala
23 Dec 1970 - 24 Feb 1972  Daniel Monguya Mbenge
24 Feb 1972 - 19 Mar 1974  Henri-Désiré Takizala
19 Mar 1974 - 10 Feb 1976  Ngoma Toto Bwangi
10 Feb 1976 - 20 Oct 1976  Ndebo-a-Kanda-di-Ne Kenza
 7 May 1977 - 21 Jan 1978  Mpika Masamba Ngolomiso
21 Jan 1978 - 18 Jan 1980  Konde Vila Kikanda
18 Jan 1980 - 27 Aug 1980  Kamakanda N'koma
27 Aug 1980 - 19 Mar 1983  Kyembwa wa Lumona
19 Mar 1983 -  1 Jan 1985  Zamundu Angenong'Ka
 1 Jan 1985 - 19..         Bangala Basila
19.. - 19..                Mpambia Musanga Bekaja
19.. - 19..                Janvier Tshibuabua Kapya           (b. c.1953)
Oct? 1997 - 1999           Pascal Tshitoka Ngalamulume
1999 - Apr 2006            Claudel Lubaya
Apr 2006 - 16 Oct 2006     Gilbert Tshiongo Tshibinkubula
                             wa Ntumba
16 Oct 2006 - 16 Mar 2007  Mutombo Bakafwa Nsenda
16 Mar 2007 -              Trésor Kapuka Ngoy
Jun 2007 - Aug 2007        Hubert Mbingho (acting)

15 Apr 1891                The administration of the Katangese areas conquered by the
                             Congo Free State is entrusted to the Compagnie du Katanga;
                             however, no effective administration is set up.
19 Jun 1900                Katanga is entrusted to the Comité Spécial du Katanga¹, an 
                             administration totally separated from that of the Congo is 
                             set up.
 1 Sep 1910                Katanga is integrated in the Belgian Congo but retains a large
                             measure of autonomy.
 1 Oct 1933                Autonomy abrogated, at the same time part of its Lomami-district 
                             was transferred to the province of Kasaï.
 1 Oct 1933                Renamed province of Elisabethville/Elisabethstad.
1947                       Renamed Katanga.
30 Jun 1960                Autonomous province of the Congo republic.
11 Jul 1960                Proclamation of the independent State of Katanga
Nov 1961                   Conquest of northern Katanga by the central government;
                             organization of the province of Nord-Katanga (North Katanga).
21 Jan 1963                Conquest of the remaining parts of Katanga and division of
                             the territory into two provinces: Lualaba and Katanga Oriental.
28 Dec 1966                Reconstruction of the province of Katanga (1972-15 May 1997 named
                             Shaba).

Administrator of the Compagnie du Katanga
Apr 1891 - 19 Jun 1900     Albert Jean-Baptiste Thys          (b. 1849 - d. 1915)
Chairman of the Comité Spécial du Katanga (CSK)
Jun 1900 - 1929            Hubert Droogmans                   (b. 1858 - d. 1938)
Representatives of the CSK in Katanga (governors)
1900 - 14 Jan 1903         Auguste Weyns                      (b. 1854 - d. 1944)
14 Jan 1903 - 1906         Léon Tonneau (1st time)            (b. 1863 - d. 1919)
26 Jul 1906 - 1908         Emile Wangermée (1st time)         (b. 1855 - d. 1924)
31 Sep 1908 - Sep 1909     Léon Tonneau (2nd time)            (s.a.)
1909 -  1 Sep 1910         Emile Wangermée (2nd time)         (s.a.)
Governors and Deputy Governors-general
 1 Sep 1910 - 21 Mar 1917  Emile Wangermée                    (s.a.)
22 Mar 1917 -  2 Sep 1920  Charles Henry Marie Ernest Tombeur,(b. 1867 - d. 1947)
                             baron Tombeur de Tabora
Oct 1921 - 23 Dec 1923     Martin Joseph Marie René Rutten    (b. 1876 - d. 1944)
Dec 1923 - 21 Jan 1928     Léon Guilain Bureau                (b. 1869 - d. 1944)
 5 May 1928 - Sep 1931     Gaston René Heenen (1st time)      (b. 1880 - d. 1963)
Sep 1931 - Jan 1932        Louis Joseph Postiaux              (b. 1882 - d. 1948)
Jan 1932 - 23 Sep 1933     Gaston René Heenen (2nd time)      (s.a.)
Commissioner
Oct 1933 - 1941            Amour Maron                        (b. 1891 - d. 1948)
Governors
1941 - Dec 1945            Amour Maron                        (s.a.)
Oct 1945 - Mar 1948        Léon Keyser 
Mar 1948 - Apr 1951        Joseph Ziegler de Ziegleck auf 
                             Rheingrub 
May 1951 - Aug 1955        René Whauthion 
Aug 1955 - Jan 1956        ....
Jan 1956 - Sep 1958        Jean Paelinck 
Sep 1958 - 30 Jun 1960     André Schöller                     (b. 1908 - d. 19..)
                             (also deputy governor-general)
President
16 Jun 1960 - 12 Jan 1963  Moïse Kapenda Tshombé              (b. 1919 - d. 1969)  CONAKAT
                           (president of the Provisional 
                            Government 11 Jul - 8 Aug 1960)
26 Apr 1961 - 22 Jun 1961  Godefroid Munongo Mwenda M'Siri    (b. 1925 - d. 1992)
                           + Jean-Baptiste Kibwe              (b. 1924 - d. 2008)
                           + Joseph Kiwele                    (d. 1961) 
                           (acting for imprisoned Tshombé)

Party abbreviation: CONAKAT = Confédération des Associations de Katanga Tribales (Confederation of Tribal Associations of Katanga, regionalist, Katangan secessionist)

 8 Jul 1963                After the formation of the provinces of Nord-Katanga
                             and Lualaba the remaining part of Katanga is reorganized
                             as the new province of Katanga Oriental.
24 Apr 1966                United with Lualaba to form Sud-Katanga.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
13 Aug 1963 - 20 Jul 1965  Édouard Bulundwe                   (b. 1932)
20 Jul 1965 - 24 Apr 1966  Godefroid Munongo Mwenda M'Siri    (s.a.)

30 Jun 1963                Province of Lualaba separated from Katanga.
24 Apr 1966                United with Katanga Oriental to form Sud-Katanga.

President (from 1965, governor)
23 Sep 1963 - 24 Apr 1966  Dominique Diur                     (b. 1929)

                  1960 - 1961

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
20 Oct 1960 - Mar 1961     Prosper Mwamba-Ilunga (1st time)
11 Sep 1962 - 27 Sep 1963  Prosper Mwamba-Ilunga (2nd time)
27 Sep 1963 - 15 Mar 1964  Jason Sendwe (1st time)            (b. 1917 - d. 1964)
15 Mar 1964 - 21 Apr 1964  Fortunat Kabange Numbi             (b. 1934 - d. 1964)
21 Apr 1964 - 18 Jun 1964  Jason Sendwe (2nd time)            (s.a.)
22 Jun 1964 - Jul 1964     Ildephonse Masengo                 (b. c.1935 - d. 1969)
                            (head of a provisional government for the whole Katanga
                             province, in fact the territories occupied by the forces
                             of the People's Republic)
22 Jul 1965 -  5 Nov 1966  Henri Ndala Kambola 
                            (administrator since Aug 1964?)

22 Apr 1966                Katanga Oriental and Lualaba united to form Sud-Katanga.
 5 Nov 1966                Administration by central government.
28 Dec 1966                Part of restored province of Katanga.

Governor
24 Apr 1966 -  5 Nov 1966  Godefroid Munongo Mwenda M'Siri    (s.a.)

1900                       Mining concession granted to the Tanganyika Concessions Limited,
                             a British company which had started prospecting for minerals in
                             1899. In 1906 both groups formed a new company, the UMHK.
28 Oct 1906                Creation of the Union Minière du Haut Katanga, entrusted
                             by the Congo Free State with the exploitation of the mineral
                             resources of Katanga
31 Dec 1966                Activities and belongings of the UMHK taken over by
                             Congolese government

Chairman of the Tanganyika Concessions Ltd.
1899 - 1906?               Sir Tyndale White 
Chairmen of the Union Minière du Haut Katanga (in Brussels)¹
1906 - 1913                Ferdinand, Baron Baeyens           (b. 1837 - d. 1914)
1913 - 1932                Jean Jadot                         (b. 1862 - d. 1932)
1932 - 1939                Félicien Cattier (1st time)        (b. 1869 - d. 1946)
1939 - 1944                Alexandre Marie Albert Galopin     (b. 1879 - d. 1944)
1944                       Félicien Cattier (2nd time)(acting)(s.a.)
1944 - 1947                Firmin Van Bree                    (b. 1880 - d. 1960)
1947 - 1955                Gaston Blaise
1955 - 1963                Paul Gillet
1963 - 1965                Edgar Van Der Straeten
1966                       Louis Wallef
Director of the Tanganyika Concessions Ltd.
1899 - 1906?               Robert Williams
Agents of the Tanganyika Concessions Ltd. (in Katanga)
1899 - 1906                George Grey                        (d. 1911)
1906                       Hubert Cayley                      (d. 1907)
Directors of the Union Minière du Haut Katanga (in Africa)¹
1910 - 1912                Eugène Halewijck                   (b. 1866 - d. 1940)
1913 - 1917                Preston H. Horner
1918 - 1919                Edgar Sengier                      (b. 1879 - d. 1963)
1920 - 1922                Jules Cousin                       (b. 1884 - d. 1965)
1923 - 1927                Léon Rasson                        (b. 1875 - d. 1932)
1927 - 1929                Joseph De Mulder
1931                       Henry Barzin                       (b. 1881 - d. 1971)
1932                       Gaston Deladrière
1933 - 1936                Henri Heymans                      (b. 1883 - d. 1936)
1936 - 1945                Aimé Marthoz                       (b. 1894 - d. 1962)
1946 - 1950                Louis Wallef
1951 - 1957                Maurice Van Weyenbergh
1958 - 1966                Gérard Assoignon

Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
 3 Jan 1967 - Aug 1967     Jean Foster Manzikala
1967                       Masiala Kinkela 
1967 - 1968                Denis Paluku 
1968 - 1970                Léon Engulu 
1970 - 1972                Henri-Désiré Takizala
1972 - 1973                Daniel Monguya Mbenge 
1973 - 1975                Duga Kugbe Toro (1st time)
1975 - 1977                Assumani Busanya Lukili
1977 - 1978                Efambe Ey'Olanga
1978 - 1980                Alexandre Singa Boyenge Mosambayi
1980 - Jan 1985            Antoine Mandungu Bula Nyati         (b. 1934 - d. 2000)
Jan 1985 - 1986            Duga Kugbe Toro (2nd time)
1986 - 1990                Koyagialo Ngbase te Gerembo
May 1990 - Nov 1991        Bonaventure Konde Vila Kikanda
1991 - Apr 1995            Antoine Gabriel Kyungu wa Kumwanza
                             (1st time)
1995 - 1997                Benjamin Thadée Ngoie Mulume
Mar 1997 - Apr 1997        Antoine Gabriel Kyungu wa Kumwanza 
                             (2nd time)
Apr 1997 - Apr 1998        Gaetan Kukudji 
Apr 1998 - Apr 2001        Augustin Katumba Mwanke
Apr 2001 - Nov 2001        Jacques Muyumba (interim)
26 Nov 2001 - May 2004     Aimé Ngoy Mukena Lusa
26 May 2004 - 24 Feb 2007  Urbain Kisula Ngoy                 (b. 1940)
24 Feb 2007 -              Moïse Katumbi Chapwe               (b. 1964)

 ¹ During the German occupation of Belgium 1914 - 1918, the Belgian leadership of the UMHK went into exile in London, while the CSK ceased its activities. During the second occupation of Belgium, 1940 - 1944, both ceased their activities. The management of the affairs of the UMHK was taken over by the American African Metals Corporation based in New York. 

 1 Oct 1933                The western districts of Congo-Kasaï-Bas-Congo (former Bas-and
                             Haut-Congo), Kwango and Léopoldville (the town) - and the major 
                             part of Lac Léopold II (taken from Équateur) - become the new
                             province of Léopoldville/Leopoldstad province created in
                             Belgian Congo.
30 Jun 1960                Autonomous province of Congo republic
14 Aug 1962                Province divided into four new provinces:
                             Congo Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Mai-Ndombe
25 Apr 1966                Kwango, Kwilu, and Mai-Ndombe united in the new province 
                             of Bandundu; Léopoldville city separated from
                             Congo Central.

Commissioner
1933 - 1941                Albert Émile Beauffort
Governors
1941 - 1943                Albert Emile Beauffort
1943 - 1945                Marcel Maquet                      (b. 1891 - d. 1964)
1945 - 19..                ....
19.. - 19..                Babilon
19.. - 1960                Alain Stenmans
Presidents
11 Jun 1960 - 29 Jun 1960  Gaston Diomi                       (b. 1922 - d. 19..)
                            (president of secessionist Congo province)
18 Jun 1960 - 12 Feb 1962  Cléophas Kamitatu Masamba          (b. 1931 - d. 2008)
17 Jun 1960 - 1960         Gaston Midu
                            (president of secessionist North Kwilu province)
12 Feb 1962 - 14 Aug 1962  Gaston Diomi                       (s.a.)

14 Aug 1960                Congo Central province created out of Léopoldville province.
27 Oct 1971                Renamed Bas-Zaïre.
19 May 1997                Renamed Bas-Congo.

Presidents (from 1965, governors; 1972-80, commissioners)
 6 Sep 1962 - 1966         Vital Faustin Moanda               (b. 1923 - d. ....)
1966 - 1967                Denis Paluku
1967 - 1968                François Luakabwanga
1968 - 1969                Bruno Ndala
1969 - 1970                Anaclet Kaniki
1970 - 1972                Marcel Derikoye Tita Ngindu
1972                       Dieudonné Boji
17 Jul 1972 - 21 May 1975  Catherine Nzuzi wa Mbombo (f)      (b. 1944)
1975 - 1976                Loposo Nzela Balombe
1976 - 1977                Efambe Ey'Olanga
1977 - 1978                Ilunga Mubabinge Mukala
1978 - 1980                Tshiamala Tshingombe
1980                       Makolo Jibikilayi (1st time)
1981                       Zamundu Agenong'Ka
1981 - 1983                Malumba Mbangula
1983 - 1986                Makolo Jibikilayi (2nd time)
1986 - 1988                Tshala Mwana
1988 - 1989                Kakule Mbayingana
1989 - 1990                Mpambia Musanga Bekaja
1990 - 1991                Timothée Moleka Nzulama            (b. 1955?)
1991 - 1997                Bieya Mbaki                        (d. 1997)
199. - 1997                Mvuma Ngeti (acting for Mbaki)
1997                       Mvuma Ngeti (interim)
1997  (4 days)             Joseph Mbenza Thubi
1997  (1 month)            Liwanga Mata Nyamunyobo
Oct? 1997 - 1998           Léonard Fuka Unzola                (b. 1935)
1999 - Jun 2001?           Séraphin Bavuidi Babingi           (b. 1946)
Oct? 2001 - 16 Oct 2006    César Tsasa di Ntumba              (b. 1945? - d. 2008)
                             (interim for 4 months in 2001)
16 Oct 2006 - 24 Feb 2007  Jacques Mbadu
24 Feb 2007 -              Simon Mbatshi Batshia              (b. 1949)

14 Aug 1962                Kwango province created out of Léopoldville province.
24 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Bandundu.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
23 Sep 1962 - 11 Nov 1962  Albert Delvaux                     (b. 1918 - d. ....)
Nov 1962                   Emmanuel Mayamba
1962 - Apr 1963            Alphonse Pashi
Aug 1963 - Apr 1964        Pierre Masikita (1st time)
Apr 1964 - 30 Sep 1964     Belunda Kavunzu
30 Sep 1964 - 24 Aug 1965  Joseph Kulumba
24 Aug 1965 - 25 Apr 1966  Pierre Masikita (2nd time)

14 Aug 1962                Province of Kwilu created out of Léopoldville province.
18 Jan 1964                Administration taken over by central government due to
                             rebellion in southwestern Congo; rebel administration in
                             most of Kwilu province since Jan 1964; reconquest by the
                             legal government in Jun 1965.
18 Jan 1966                Provincial government restored.
25 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Bandundu.

President
 8 Sep 1962 - 18 Jan 1964  Norbert Leta
Jan 1964 - Nov 1964        Pierre Mulele                     (b. 1929 - d. 1968)
                            (commander-in-chief and Head of the General Direction)
Governor
18 Jan 1966 - 25 Apr 1966  Henri-Désiré Takizala

14 Aug 1962                Mai-Ndombe province created out of Léopoldville province.
25 Apr 1966                Part of new province of Bandundu.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
 8 Sep 1962 - Dec 1963     Victor Kumoriko
23 Sep 1963 - 11 Oct 1963  V. Bola (in rebellion)
Jan 1964 - Dec 1964        Gabriël Zangabie
1964 - 1965                ....
27 Jul 1965 - 25 Apr 1966  Daniël Mongiya

Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
25 Apr 1966 -  3 Jan 1967  Henri-Désiré Takizala
 3 Jan 1967 - 19..         François Luakabwanga
19.. - Jan 1985            ....
Jan 1985 - 198.            Sambia Gere Danu
1988 - 1990                Guillaume Samba Kaputo             (b. 1946 - d. 2007)
1990 - 1997                ....
1997 - 26 Nov 2001         Marc Katshunga
26 Nov 2001 - 15 May 2003  Kidinda Shandungo
Oct? 2003?                 Oscar Bala
26 May 2004 - 10 Dec 2005  Sabin Sadiboko
10 Dec 2005 - 13 Jan 2006  Guy Kunza
13 Jan 2006 - 16 Oct 2006  Gérard Gifuza
16 Oct 2006 - 16 Mar 2007  Édouard Wenzi Wakoyula
16 Mar 2007 -              Richard Ndambu Wolang              (b. 1952)

 1 Jul 1966                Léopoldville renamed Kinshasa.

Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
1966 - 196.                Cléophas Kamitatu Masamba          (b. 1931 - d. 2008)
1969?                      Bangala
1970 - 1974                Ndjoku Eyobaba                     (b. 1924? - d. 2007)
1980?                      Kisombe Kiaku Muisi
Oct 1981 - Mar 1983        Sakombi Ekope                      (b. 1929 - d. 1985)
1983 - 1985                ....
Jan 1985 - 198.            Tshimbombo Mukuna
1986 - 198.                Catherine Nzuzi wa Mbombo (f)      (b. 1944)
1989                       Timothée Moleka Nzulama            (b. 1955?)
1989 - 1994                ....
1994 - 1997                Bernardin Mungul Diaka             (b. 1933 - d. 1999)
1997 -  9 Mar 2001         Théophile Mbemba Fundu
May 2001 - 26 Nov 2001     Christophe Muzungu (interim)
26 Nov 2001 - Jun 2002     Loka ne Kongo
Jun 2002 - 26 May 2004     David Nku Imbie
26 May 2004 - 15 Nov 2005  Jean Kimbunda                      (b. 1961)
15 Nov 2005 - 16 Oct 2006  Kimbembe Mazunga
16 Oct 2006 - 16 Mar 2007  Liwanga Mata Nyamunyobo
16 Mar 2007 -              André Kimbuta Yango                (b. 1952)

Commissioners
1933 - 1935                Marie Georges Nortehan
1935 - 1941                Joseph Noirot
Governors
1941 - 1945                Joseph Noirot
1955?                      René Brasseur
1957 - 19..                Maurice Willaert                   (b. 1910 - d. 2003)
 Presidents
11 Jun 1960 - 24 Dec 1960  Jean Miruho (1st time)
26 Jun 1960 - Jul 1960     Clément Walubali
                            (president of the secessionist province of Maniema)
 2 Jan 1961 - 24 Feb 1961  Anicet Kashamura                   (b. 1928)
1961 - 19..                Antoine Omari
                            (president of the secessionist State of Maniema, 
                             sponsored by the State of Katanga)
24 Feb 1961 - 11 Aug 1961  Taris Adrien Omari                 (b. 1916)
18 Sep 1961 - 10 May 1962  Jean Miruho (2nd time)
Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
 3 Jan 1967 - 19..         Léon Engulu
1976?                      Ndebo-a-Kanda-di-Ne Kenza
1980 - 1986                Mwando Simba
1986 - 198.                Kilolo Musanga

14 Aug 1962                Creation of the Maniema province.
25 Apr 1966                United with Central Kivu to form Sud-Kivu.
1988                       Maniema province recreated.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
12 Sep 1962 - 1962         Ignace Kanga
 5 Nov 1962 - 19 Sep 1963  Hilaire Kisanga
19 Sep 1963 - 22 Jun 1964  ....
22 Jun 1964 - 21 Jul 1964  Joseph Tshomba-Fariala (1st time)
24 Jul 1964 -  5 Oct 1964  Charles Malembe                    (b. 1933)
                            (governed the territories of the old Kivu province
                             occupied by the forces of the People's Republic)
1964 - Jan 1966            Joseph Tshomba-Fariala (2nd time)
24 Jan 1966 - 25 Apr 1966  Pascal Luanghy                     (b. 1917)
1988 - 19..                Tshala Mwana
19.. - 19..                Joseph Bendera
19.. - 19..                Kyembwa wa Lumona
1996 - Feb 1997            Omari Lea Sisi
Mar 1997 - Jul 1997        Lokombe Kitete
18 Jul 1997 -  3 Oct 1998  Ramazani Shadari (1st time)
Dec 1998 - 12 Apr 2000     Nestor Kiyimbi Mutangi
                             (in rebellion)
12 Apr 2000 - 2003         Gertrude Kitembo (f)               (b. 1958)           RCD/Goma
                             (in rebellion)
May? 2002?                 Ramazani Shadari (2nd time)
2003 - 26 May 2004         Falay Selenge
26 May 2004 - 16 Mar 2007  Koloso Sumaili
16 Mar 2007 -              Didier Manara Linga                (b. 1964)

14 Aug 1962                Creation of the province of Nord-Kivu.
28 Dec 1966                Part of restored Kivu province.
1988                       Nord-Kivu province recreated.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
11 Sep 1962 -  6 Jul 1965  Benezeth Moley                     (b. 1927)
 6 Jul 1965 - 28 Dec 1966  Denis Paluku
19.. - 1991                Basembe Emina
1991 - Aug 1993            Kalumbo Mbogho
Aug 1993 - Nov 1996        Moto Mupenda (interim)
Oct 1996 - 31 Jul 2000     Léonard Kanyamuhanga               (d. 2000)
                             (in rebellion to 1997 and from Aug 1998)
23 Sep 1999 - ....         Kaisazira Mbaki (in rebellion)
31 Jul 2000 - 24 Feb 2007  Eugène Serufuli Ngayabaseka        (b. 1962)
                             (in rebellion to 16 May 2004)
24 Feb 2007 -              Julien Paluku Kahongya             (b. 1968)

18 May 1963                Creation of the province of Kivu Central out of the remaining 
                             parts of Kivu province.
25 Apr 1966                United with Maniema to form Sud-Kivu.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
16 Jul 1963 - Jul 1964     Simon Malago
Aug 1964 - 25 Apr 1966     Dieudonné Boji

25 Apr 1966                Formed by the union of Kivu Central and Maniema.
28 Dec 1966                Part of restored Kivu province.
1988                       Sud-Kivu province recreated.

Governor
25 Apr 1966 - 28 Dec 1966  Dieudonné Boji
1988 - 1990                Ndala Kasala
1990 - Nov 1991            Dilingi Liwoke La Milengo
1992 - 1997                Kyembwa wa Lumona
Jun 1997 - Oct 1998        Jean-Charles Magabe                (d. 1999)
Oct 1998 - 10 Jun 2002     Norbert Basengezi Katintima
                             (in rebellion)
May? 2002?                 Musamba Mondero
10 Jun 2002 - 26 Jan 2003  Patient Mwendanga
                             (in rebellion)
26 Jan 2003 - 26 May 2004  Xavier Ciribanya Cirimwami
                             (suspended from 9 Feb 2004)
                             (in rebellion)
Oct? 2003?                 Fumi Tambwe
 7 Feb 2004 - 26 May 2004  Jean-Pierre Mazambi 
                             (acting for suspended Cirimwami)
26 May 2004 - 10 Nov 2005  Augustin Bulaimu
                             (suspended from 25 Apr 2005)
25 Apr 2005 - 10 Nov 2005  Alimasi Ndomba Pauni (interim)
10 Nov 2005 - 24 Feb 2007  Bu Amba Amba Déogracias
24 Feb 2007 -              Célestin Cibalonza Byaterana       (b. 1964)
Nov 2007 -                 Bernard Watunakanza (acting)

 3 Nov 1913                Orientale/Oost (East Province) was formed as part of Belgian Congo
                             (by the incorporation of eight districts: Arumiwi, Bas-Uéle and 
                             Haut-Uele, Ituri [Between c.1870 and 1884 the region covered
                             by these districts had been part of the Egyptian Sudan], 
                             Kivu, Lowa, Maniema and Stanleyville). 
1933                       Stanleyville/Stanleystad province created in reorganization.
1947                       Renamed Orientale/Oost.
30 Jun 1960                Autonomous province of the Congo republic.
27 Jul 1962                Administration taken over by the central government and
                             separation of the new provinces of Kibali-Ituri and Uele.
27 Mar 1963                The remaining part of the Orientale province is reorganized as the 
                             new province of Haut-Congo (Upper Congo).
1964                       East province is reconstituted de jure by the rebel
                             government of the People's Republic of Congo.
28 Dec 1966                Reunification of the Orientale province.
27 Oct 1971                Renamed Haut-Zaïre.
19 May 1997                Renamed Haut-Congo.
1997                       Renamed Orientale.

Deputy Governors-general
1913 - 1917                Justin Prudent François            (b. 1862 - d. 1924)
                             Marie Malfeyt 
1917 - 1925                Adolphe Jean-Marie De              (b. 1870 - d. 1944)
                             Meulemeester 
Governors and Deputy Governors-general
1925 - 1926                Adolphe Jean-Marie De              (s.a.)
                             Meulemeester 
1926 - 1933                Alfred Alphonse Moeller
Commissioners
1933 - 1940                Rodolphe Dufour
1940 - 1941                Marcel Alphonse Joseph Maquet      (b. 1891 - d. 1964)
Governors
1941 - 1943                Marcel Alphonse Joseph Maquet      (s.a.)
1943 - 1945                Bertrand 
19.. - 19..                Ernest Bock
Dec 1958 - May 1960        Pierre Leroy
Presidents
11 Jun 1960 - 11 Oct 1960  Jean-Pierre Finant                 (d. 1961)
1960 - Dec 1960            Charles Badjoko
Dec 1960 - 25 Oct 1961     Jean Foster Manzikala
Oct 1961 - 27 Jul 1962     Simon Losala
Head of the Revolutionary Government
Aug 1964 - 23 Aug 1964     Alphonse Kinga
Head of the Executive Council
 1 Sep 1964 - Nov 1964     François Sabiti
Governors (1972-80, commissioners)
 3 Jan 1967 -  19..        Vital Faustin Moanda               (b. 1923 - d. ....)
19.. - Dec 1970            Édouard Bulundwe                   (b. 1932)
1975?                      Assumani Busanya Lukili
1976?                      Konde Vila Kikanda
Jan 1985 - 19..            Salumu Amisi
1990 - 1991                Guillaume Samba Kaputo             (b. 1946 - d. 2007)
199. - 1997                Lombeya Bosongo
1997 - 23 Aug 1998         Jean Yagi Sitolo
Dec 1998 - Jul 2000        Théo Baruti (1st time)
                             (in rebellion)
Jul 2000 - Apr 2001?       Justin Yogba (in rebellion)
May? 2002?                 Noël Obotela Rashidi
May? 2002 - Oct 2003?      Jean-Pierre Bilusa
                             (in rebellion)
26 May 2004 - 15 Nov 2005  Théo Baruti (2nd time)
15 Nov 2005 - 24 Feb 2007  Jean-Pierre Lola Kisanga
24 Feb 2007 -              Médard Autsai Asenga               (b. 1942)

14 Aug 1962                Province of Kibali-Ituri separated from Orientale province.
28 Dec 1966                Part of restored Orientale province.

President (from 1965, governor)
Sep 1962 - 28 Dec 1966     Jean Foster Manzikala

14 Aug 1962                Province of Uele separated from Orientale province.
28 Dec 1966                Part of restored Orientale province.

Presidents (from 1965, governors)
11 Sep 1962 - May 1965     Paul Mambaya
 6 Jul 1965 - 28 Dec 1966  François Kupa

27 Mar 1963                After the formation of the Kibali-Ituri and Uele provinces
                             the remaining part of East province is reorganized as the
                             new Haut-Congo province.
 5 Nov 1966                Administration taken over by the central government.
28 Dec 1966                Part of restored Orientale province.

Presidents (from 1965 governor)
Jun 1963 - 26 Jun 1963     Georges Grenfell                   (b. 1908)
26 Jun 1963 - 1964         Paul Isombuma
1964 - Aug 1964            François Aradjabu
Aug 1964 -  5 Nov 1966     Jean Marie Alamazani