Wachokwe

(also Bachoko, Ayoko, Bakiyoko, or Tsiboko), a people that inhabit the Kwilu-Kasai interfluvial area in Angola and the middle course of the Lulua River and the regions bordering Angola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Waluena (Luwale or Malobale) are related to the Wachokwe. Total population exceeds 800,000 (1967, estimate). The Wachokwe language belongs to the western Bantu language group. Most of the Wachokwe adhere to local traditional beliefs, and the rest are Christians. Chief occupation is farming (sorghum, millet, yams). Many Wachokwe work in Angolan diamond mines.