Ngalifourou (1864 – 1956) is a queen of the Teke kingdom in Central Africa, the last ruler of black Africa.
Queen of the Teke kingdom
Daughter of Bokapa, Ngalifourou was born in 1864 in Ngabé, on the right bank of the Congo River. She is part of the Téké people, a Bantu population that lives in Central Africa, between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC or Congo-Kinshasa) and the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). Her name means "mistress of fire". At fifteen, Ngalifourou married Iloo, king of the Téké kingdom, as a second wife. In 1879, she became the king's main wife, his first adviser and his queen, and reigned by his side, influencing the decisions of the kingdom. On the death of her husband, she ascends the throne. Subsequently, she married different kings who succeeded each other in the capital of the kingdom, Mbé, but never lost her influence and power. She is also renowned for her great wisdom, presence and courage.
Cooperation with France
As sovereign and guardian of the army, Ngalifourou took part in all the historical meetings of the Congo and notably met General de Gaulle on several occasions. Perhaps because they wish to preserve certain rights of her people, the queen of the Tékés cooperates extensively with France. During the Second World War, after a meeting with de Gaulle, she asked her people to come to the aid of French soldiers. Following this episode, France awarded him several decorations, including the Legion of Honor.
Ngalifourou died on June 8, 1956 and was buried a year later, as tradition dictates.