Bokwala: The Story of a Congo Victim

"Bokwala: The Story of a Congo Victim" by a Congo resident is a heartbreaking account of a young Congolese man's life in the early 1900s, told from his perspective as a historical recollection. It traces Bokwala's journey from a joyful childhood among family as part of a chief's family to the horrors of enslavement, first by cannibals and then by those enforcing colonial dictates. The narrative exposes the harsh experiences of the Congolese people, the dehumanizing impact of unchecked exploitation, and the terror of the rubber trade. Bokwala's tale begins in his peaceful village of Ekaka before a fateful fishing trip changes everything and he is snatched away by cannibals, setting in motion a series of tragic incidents that highlight his lack of control against the cruelty of both enslavers and colonizers. The story uncovers the social and political climate of the Congo, during a time of widespread pain and injustice.