Msiri

Msiri, a Nyamwezi trader from Tanzania, established the Yeke Kingdom in Katanga after conquering local Luba and Lunda chieftaincies. He built a centralized state with a capital at Bunkeya, controlling copper and ivory trade routes.

Msiri established a monopoly over copper mining and trade in Katanga, controlling access to the region's rich copper deposits. He used this economic power to arm his forces and expand his influence over neighboring groups.

Msiri refused to accept Belgian Congo Free State authority, leading to a military confrontation with Belgian-led forces. He was killed in a skirmish at Bunkeya, and his kingdom was subsequently annexed by the Congo Free State, ending Yeke independence.