Batetela rebellion

[citation needed] The Force Publique recruited heavily from the Tetela ethnic group in the Sankuru, Maniema and Lomami regions, especially during the Congo Arab war (1892–1894).

[3] In January 1895, the garrison of Luluabourg mutinied in response to the execution of the warlord Gongo Lutete for treachery during the war against the Arabs.

[3] 1,300 troops from the Tetela and Kusu ethnic groups in an expeditionary force sent to the Upper Nile in 1897 under the command of Baron Francis Dhanis mutinied, complaining of poor treatment.

The expedition's collapse as a result of the mutiny meant that the Free State would ultimately avoid becoming a party in Anglo-French confrontation in the Fashoda Incident.

The rebels gained control of the fort and opened fire on a moored ship and threatened the safety of the colonial capital, Boma.