Christophe Gbenye vs Maba Diakhou Ba

Gbenye became the political leader of the CNL, a coalition of leftist groups opposed to the central government. The CNL coordinated the Simba rebellion and sought to establish a revolutionary state in the Congo.

Gbenye's forces captured Stanleyville (Kisangani), the third-largest city in the Congo. He declared it the capital of a rival government, the People's Republic of the Congo, and established a radical leftist administration.

Belgian paratroopers, supported by US aircraft, landed in Stanleyville during Operation Dragon Rouge. Gbenye's forces were overwhelmed, and he fled the city, ending his control of the rebel capital.

During the siege of Stanleyville, Gbenye's regime executed hundreds of political opponents and foreign hostages. These atrocities drew international condemnation and prompted foreign military intervention.

After the rebellion's collapse, Gbenye went into exile in Sudan and later Uganda. He continued to claim leadership of the CNL but lost relevance as Mobutu's regime stabilized and other rebel factions dissolved.

Maba Diakhou Ba launched a religious war (jihad) against non-Muslim rulers in the Senegambia region. He aimed to establish an Islamic state and convert the population, leading to widespread conflict and the creation of a short-lived theocratic state.

Maba Diakhou Ba's forces were defeated by a coalition of French colonial troops and local allies at Nioro. This battle marked a turning point in his campaign, weakening his military power and limiting his territorial control.

Maba Diakhou Ba was killed in battle against French colonial forces at the Battle of Somb. His death ended the jihadist movement in Senegambia and led to the collapse of the Islamic state he had established.