[3] The early European explorers found that the Busira-Tshuapa region was inhabited by different groups of Mongo people, including the Bokote, Ekota, Bakutu, Bosaka, Bongando and Boyela.

[6] As of 1 January 1894 the Société anonyme belge pour le commerce du Haut-Congo (SAB) had 83 factories and posts, including some in the French territory to the west of the Congo and Ubangi rivers.

A map shows the company had posts along the upper Ruki River (i.e. the Busira) at Bilakamba, Bombimba, Bussira Manene, Moniaca, Bocoté and Yolongo.

[9] A 1920s or 1930s postcard from the Sacred Heart mission agency in Coquilhatville (now Mbandaka]) shows a line of eight young girls wearing traditional clothing with the caption "La jeunesse de Bokote."

[10] Another postcard from that period shows a number of people standing in dugout boats in the river, some holding paddles, with the legend "4.