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Kolwezi (1978 Battle)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Kolwezi (1978 Battle) (Congo - Kinshasa)

Weather…

The Battle of Kolwezi in May 1978 was a pivotal military conflict during the Shaba invasions in what was then the Republic of Zaire. Kolwezi, a strategically vital mining city, was seized by FLNC insurgents, known as Katangese Tigers, who had invaded from bases in Angola. The crisis escalated rapidly as hundreds of European civilians were taken hostage, prompting an international military response. Codenamed 'Operation Bonite', the mission saw paratroopers from the French Foreign Legion's 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) drop directly over the city to liberate the hostages and repel the insurgents. Belgian forces also participated in the rescue operation. The fighting was intense and resulted in hundreds of casualties among combatants and civilians alike. The success of the intervention stabilized President Mobutu Sese Seko's regime and demonstrated France's military intervention capabilities in Africa. To this day, Kolwezi remains a symbol of regional instability and the critical importance of Katanga's mineral wealth to the global economy.

Location: Congo - Kinshasa
Top sights: Kolwezi · Lualaba Province

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	20	21	21	20	19	18	18	21	24	24	22	21
Rain mm	236	156	171	61	4	0	0	6	14	66	184	253

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The former battlefield of Kolwezi from 1978 is not a designated tourist site. The city of Kolwezi itself can be visited, but there is no official museum about the battle.

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Typical hours

Since there is no central memorial, there are no opening hours. Exploring the city area is possible anytime, but difficult without a local guide.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in public spaces of the city. However, respect any possible military restricted areas or sensitive sites.

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Time needed

Exploring the city area can take 1 to 2 hours depending on interest. Without specific targets, a shorter visit is possible.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the Kolwezi Children's Park or the nearby mining facilities. The city has a unique industrial landscape.

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Getting there

Kolwezi is reachable by plane or by road from Lubumbashi. Within the city, taxis or minibuses are best.

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Insider tip

Hire a local guide who can explain the history of the battle. Be cautious when walking in abandoned industrial areas.

Geography

Coordinates

-10.71670, 25.46670

Facts

The battle took place between May 13 and May 23, 1978.
Around 700 French Foreign Legion paratroopers dropped into Kolwezi.
An estimated 170 Europeans and 700 Africans were killed during the conflict.
Operation Bonite is regarded as one of history's most successful airborne operations.
Belgium deployed 750 paratroopers specifically for the evacuation of civilians.
Kolwezi is globally significant for its massive copper and cobalt reserves.