Kisula Ngoy

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Urbain Kisula Ngoy (1940–2018) was a Congolese doctor and politician who served as the governor of Katanga Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from May 16, 2004, to 2007. Born on November 18, 1940, he came from the Mulubà people and was a descendant of King Kasongo wa Nyembo of the Luba. Before entering politics, he worked as a doctor for Gécamines, the state copper company.

Kisula started his political career with the Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans and later joined President Joseph Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD). He was appointed Katanga governor by President Kabila on May 16, 2004.

As governor, Kisula sought to curb abuses by Mai-Mai militias in Katanga. He organized a round table with traditional northern chiefs and Mai-Mai representatives, but many Mai-Mai leaders did not accept his authority and the plans from the talks were not fully carried out. He generally preferred avoiding large military crackdowns, believing a well-equipped soldier would not support the rebels.

In October 2004, a rebel group attacked Kilwa near the Dikulushi mine. The incident highlighted mining issues and involved mining company interests like Anvil Mining. The Congolese army conducted operations in the area, raising concerns from human rights groups. Kisula’s administration faced criticism from some local organizations, while he defended mining companies and argued that the central government needed to better enforce laws. He emphasized the importance of mining to Katanga’s economy and called for foreign support to help rebuild and industrialize the province.

Kisula Ngoy died in 2018 in South Africa after an illness, at the age of 77.