Joaquina Nhenje is the new Queen of Niassa, Bibi Achivanjila VI, of Malila-Majune – Watch

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Joaquina Nhenje is the new Queen of Niassa, Bibi Achivanjila VI, of Malila-Majune – Watch

6:17 CAT | 23 May 2023

Photo: TVM

In ceremonies 40 days after the passing of Bibi Achivandjila V, witnessed by the Governor of Niassa Province, Elina Judite Massengele, the village of Malila, in Majune district, Niassa province, on Monday 22nd May chose their new queen, Bibi Achivanjila VI.

Her name is Joaquina Nhenje, she is 64 years old and a widow. She is from the lineage of Queen Bibi Achivandjila V, who died of an illness on April 10th this year at the Provincial Hospital of Niassa.

The figure of Abibi Achivandjila, from the years 1865-1870, became an example of resilience, a community icon, an indomitable reference, an unavoidable figure and a symbol of female power in Niassa, Mozambique, Africa and the world in general.

Through her knowledge of traditional medicine, she contributed to the successes of the raiding campaigns against other African kingdoms in northern Mozambique, and in the purification of slaves who were taken to the coast to feed the slave trade that was the main source of income and maintenance of power.

The name Achivanjila was attributed more than 100 years ago to this woman who, with her courage, managed to save many slaves from death. She became queen without anyone’s support, using only her courage and determination. The first queen’s role was notable in her fight against colonial domination in the country, for gender rights and resistance to slavery in northern Mozambique at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century.

Queen Achivanjila ruled a vast territory and organised an army in order to protect its borders against enemy incursions. She heroically resisted Portuguese colonial penetration in all forms, even via a pact of coexistence with the Portuguese authorities.

The late Abibi Achivanjila V, who died of an illness at Lichinga Provincial Hospital on April 10th, left six children, 32 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

READ: Mozambique: President mourns the death of Abibi Achivangila, Queen of Niassa

Watch the TVM report.