Congo Crisis Cannibalism

 

Cannibalism is something that has been associated with the Luba tribe (commonly referred to as Baluba) for the better part of the last 60 years, though they weren't always seen as cannibals prior to the late 1950s. The examples given are taken from first hand accounts of combatants during the Congo Crisis of the 1960s. The Niemba ambush took place in November 1960, when Irish UN soldiers were ambushed in the Congo-Léopoldville area by "Baluba" tribesmen in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

The Luba thought the UN soldiers were mercenaries fighting in support of the Katangese secession under Moïse Tshombe. It is important to note that the Luba tribe was also split, some in favor of secession, and the others harshly opposed. An 11 man squad of Irish UN peacekeepers were tasked to clear a blockade on the road leading to the bridge that crossed the Luweyeye River and were subsequently ambushed by 100 Luba tribesmen. 

The Luba were armed with poison tipped spears and arrows, clubs, and even some long rifles. 9 of the 11 UN soldiers were killed in the ambush, one wounded and another soldier were able to escape. The Luba lost 25 tribesmen and an unknown number of wounded. The survivors claimed that the remaining Baluba mutilated the remains of the Irish soldiers and ingested their hearts.

During 4 Commando's time in Katanga, in 1961, Ted McKay, a recruit from Yorkshire, UK, and Simon Donaldson, would both fall victim to the "Baluba." The information comes from a series of letters from a mercenary that remained anonymous but was part of 4 Commando and was recruited by Russell Cargill, who gathered the initial members of 4 Commando.

 The excerpt from the letter states, "I remember a Yorkshire man McKay who along with Simon Donaldson, an Ex-Lifeguards officer, were tragically caught and eaten by the Balubas." I have confirmed via Chris Hoare, Col. Mike Hoare's son and biographer, that according to Mike, those 2 soldiers had been reportedly eaten by the "Baluba" tribesmen. Cannibalism still takes place in the Congo to this day and is certainly a very dark part that makes up the true heart of darkness that is the Congo.