Who was Musinga
Son of King Kigeli IV Rwabugiri and Kanjogera, Yuhi V Musinga became the 20th king of Rwanda in December 1896 at the age of 12; following a coup lead by his uncles and mother. By the time he was enthroned, Rwanda was under German rule. He was the second King to meet Europeans
King Yuhi V MusingaOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Collaboration with Colonial Masters, alliance of convenience
After his enthronement in 1896, a resistance broke out particularly in the north as some chiefs and notables did not accept him.
In addition, the installation of catholic missions around the country that was weakening the king's power towards the population. On the other hand, there was an insufficient number of German colonial and military staff. The mentioned reasons made the court enter into an alliance with the new power which in collaboration with royal army imposed royal rule throught the country.
The German choice to support the royal court was an occasion to inderectly their colonial administration.
Musinga's army participation in WWI
Rwandan ties to Germany influenced WWI. When the war began, Germany, seeking military support, requested troops from King Musinga. He formed the Indugaruga militia, drawing warriors from existing groups like the Indengabaganizi and Iziruguru, to fight alongside the Germans.
King Musinga with Missionaries by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Missionaries in Rwanda
German colonial rule in Rwanda began around 1900, coinciding with the arrival of Christian missionaries. Both groups significantly influenced Rwandan society. Through various conversion methods, missionaries baptized over 10,500 Rwandans by 1914.
Ryangombe's cult initiation by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Conversion to Christianity from Musinga's perspective
Musinga, despite granting missionaries land, opposed their forceful conversion tactics and cultural influence. He saw Christianity as a threat to Rwandan traditions and authority.
Musinga's houseRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Musinga's exile
Despite defying Belgian rule and defending Rwandan culture, Musinga was ultimately dismissed from power on November 12, 1931, and forced to leave his capital within 48 hours.
A royal palace turned into catholic church
Musinga, accompanied by his mother and wives, left his Nyanza residence, "the sacred place," for Kamembe before it was tragically reduced to ruins and burned after his removal from power. The site now holds a Catholic Church, dedicated to Christ the King, built in 1935.
A cultural activist
Deposed from power, Musinga continued his fight against colonialism and the erosion of Rwandan culture. He retained some Rwandan support, but was ultimately exiled to Moba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1940. Musinga died there in 1944.
Content development: Karangwa Jerome & Chantal Umuhoza ( Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy)
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
