Bemba by tribe people once allowed white french man to act as senior chief and substantively as acting Chitimukulu in the 1800s: another case similar arose in1896. When Chitimukulu VII Sampa Kapalakasha died in 1896, and the title remained vacant while the traditional succession process was so vicious and contentious and threatened a Bemba civil war. Further the kingdom was threatened by foreign invasions. During this period, a French white father missionary, Father Joseph Marie Stanislaus Dupont had been trying to obtain permission to set up a new mission at Milungu from the likely successor to ascend to the Chitimukulu throne, Senior Chief Mwamba III. Dupont was the first Vicar Apostolic of Nyassa and later made as Archbishop, which covered Malawi and whole of Northern part of present Zambia. During this period, Dupont became Senior Chief Mwamba’s medical doctor. He was also renowned for his knowledge in Bemba culture and traditions and was nicknamed Moto Moto. Before he could ascend to the throne of Chitimukulu, Senior Chief Mwamba died, thereby leaving both thrones vacant. In rare circumstances, over 33 chiefs and sub-chiefs in council, elected this white father to act as Senior Chief Mwamba and in effect act as Chitimukulu until a suitable replacement was found. Dupont accepted the appointment to help to forestall trouble in the kingdom. Later suitable heirs to the thrones of Senior Chief Mwamba and the Chitimukulu were installed. Dupont is remembered founding the mission in 1899 near Kayambi in Chilubi.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 14:51:25 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015