Bwito Chiefdom
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 one of the chiefdoms within Rutshuru Territory, bordered to the north by Batangi Chiefdom 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-Mokoto Chiefdom in Masisi Territory, and to the northwest by Wanyanga Chiefdom in Walikale Territory. To the south, it is bordered by Nyiragongo Territory.
Bwito Chiefdom | |
|---|---|
| Chefferie de Bwito | |
Installation of Mwami Raphael Nyamulagha Kikandi III, September 2020 | |
| 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 is predominantly inhabited by the Hunde people. The traditional chief, known as the "Mwami," is highly respected and plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order while preserving the cultural heritage of the Bahunde. The region also houses Nande, Nyanga, and Twa (Pygmies or Bambuti) from neighboring territories, with a small percentage of Hutus and Tutsis who were transplanted in the mid-20th century by Belgian colonial authorities.